The largest Gothic cathedral in the world — built on the site of the Great Mosque of Seville, retaining its minaret as the famous Giralda bell tower. Christopher Columbus's tomb is inside. The ramp up the Giralda (no steps) gives Seville's best views.
The Catedral de Sevilla is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world by interior volume, a title it has held since its completion in 1507. Built on the site of the Almohad Great Mosque of Seville, it retains the mosque's original minaret as the Giralda bell tower — now one of the most recognisable silhouettes in Andalusia. The interior overwhelms with scale: five aisles, 80 chapels, and vaulted ceilings rising to 37 metres at the central nave. The retablo mayor at the east end is the largest altarpiece in the world — a gilded Gothic tableau of 44 carved scenes from the life of Christ, created by Flemish and Spanish sculptors over nearly a century. It covers the full height and width of the eastern wall and is best viewed from the central nave barrier before tour groups cluster. The Treasury holds an extraordinary collection of religious silverwork, manuscripts, and the famous Corpus Christi monstrance. Christopher Columbus's tomb stands near the western entrance, its coffin carried by four allegorical kings representing the medieval kingdoms of Spain. The tomb's authenticity was confirmed by DNA analysis in 2006 after a long dispute with the Dominican Republic. The Sacristía Mayor contains paintings by Zurbarán, Murillo, and Valdés Leal. The Giralda tower is ascended via a series of ramps rather than steps — designed for the muezzin to reach the top on horseback — making it more accessible than a conventional staircase. The view from the top platform takes in the old city, the Alcázar gardens, and the Guadalquivir plain to the west. A full visit including the Giralda ascent takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Location
37.3861, -5.9926 View on map
Highlights
- Retablo mayor: world's largest altarpiece, a gilded Gothic tableau of 44 carved scenes filling the entire eastern wall
- Giralda tower: ascended by ramp with no stairs, giving panoramic views over Seville's old city and the Guadalquivir
- Tomb of Christopher Columbus: four allegorical kings bearing the explorer's coffin, DNA-confirmed in 2006
- Largest Gothic cathedral by interior volume — five aisles and 80 chapels under vaults rising to 37 metres
- Treasury and Sacristía Mayor: Zurbarán and Murillo paintings alongside exceptional silverwork and manuscripts
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets in advance at catedraldesevilla.es — the free Monday afternoon slot fills with queues; arrive 30 minutes early
- Visit the Giralda early in the visit to avoid crowding on the narrow upper ramp sections
- The retablo mayor is best seen from the central nave barrier — position before tour groups arrive at 11 AM
- Combine with the Real Alcázar directly next door — both are in the same UNESCO zone and 5 minutes apart on foot
- Bag storage is required for large bags; lockers are available at the entrance
When to visit
Visit in the morning from opening time (10:30 AM on most days) to avoid tour group peaks which arrive from 11 AM. September to November and February to May offer comfortable temperatures for queueing and the Giralda ascent.
Accessibility
The main cathedral floor is fully accessible to wheelchair users with paved surfaces throughout. The Giralda ramps provide partial accessibility — wheelchair users can ascend to the first viewing level. Some side chapels have raised thresholds.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Catedral de Sevilla take?
The cathedral and Giralda together require 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The Giralda ascent alone takes about 30 minutes including time at the viewing platform. An unhurried visit including the Treasury takes closer to 2.5 hours.
Can visitors climb the Giralda tower?
Yes — the Giralda is accessed via a series of ramps and is included in the standard ticket. The ramp system is gentler than a staircase and allows visitors with moderate mobility limitations to ascend.
When is the free entry period?
The cathedral offers free entry on Monday afternoons from 4:30 PM to 6 PM. Queues form by 4 PM and entry is first-come, first-served. The free slot covers the full interior including the Giralda.
Is photography allowed inside the cathedral?
Photography is permitted for personal use throughout the interior. Flash and tripods are prohibited. Photography during religious services is not permitted.