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Seville Cathedral: World's Largest Gothic Church & UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the fusion of Moorish and Christian architecture at Seville Cathedral and Giralda, where the cathedral's sprawling nave and art-laden chapels meet the iconic Giralda bell tower, originally a minaret, offering a unique climb to breathtaking...
Also Known As
Seville Cathedral
Founded On
1519
Seville CathedralSeville Cathedral
Quick information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
4 hours
Timings
11 AM - 5 PM
VISITORS PER YEAR
1200000
TICKETS
From € 12
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
4
UNESCO YEAR
1987
Fun facts
Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral globally, boasts a unique square floor plan, adapted from the city's former mosque.
La Giralda, the cathedral's bell tower, features ramps, not steps, and has inspired replicas worldwide, including in Kansas City and L'Arboç del Penedés.
Seville Cathedral houses a renowned art gallery, featuring masterpieces by Murillo, Velázquez, Goya, and Zurbarán, including the largest altarpiece in Christendom.
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Who built Seville Cathedral?
Seville Cathedral was built by converting a mosque that was originally built on the site. The Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf ordered the construction of the Almohad mosque in 1172, after which it saw several additions and expansion works. With the conquest of Seville by Ferdinand III, the mosque was converted into a catholic church in 1248.
Later, in 1401, the gothic expansion of Seville Cathedral was set in motion, with the idea of "Hagamos una Iglesia tan hermosa y tan grandiosa que los que la vieren labrada nos tengan por locos", which loosely translates to "Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will take us for mad". Major architects associated with these constructions were Enrique de Egas (initial stages), Juan Gil de Hontañón (1517-1526) and Juan de Castillo (completed the main facade in 1564). Several architects and designers also contributed over centuries, adding chapels, decorations, and other elements.
What to see at Seville Cathedral
- The bell tower of Seville Cathedral and the former minaret of the Almohad mosque, La Giralda, is an architectural wonder.
- The Great Chapel has beautiful altarpieces with unique Gothic artworks and wood carvings that depict the life of Christ and the Cathedral’s patron saint.
- The Royal Chapel is a marvelous work of Renaissance architecture, housing the iconic crown of the Virgin of the Kings, made of 22-carat gold, which is set with 12,000 precious stones.
- The iconic tomb of Christopher Columbus is also a must-visit attraction.
Highlights of Seville Cathedral
Design & architecture of Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is known for housing the longest nave among all the cathedrals of Spain. It has a vast interior extending over 135 meters in length, 100 meters in width, and a height of 40 meters, and a spire soaring up to 105 meters. Even with such an extensive structure, Seville Cathedral’s five-aisled interior, decorated with 75 stained-glass windows from the 16th to the 19th centuries, is considered an architectural wonder for its beauty and sense of harmony.
La Giralda
It previously served as the minaret of the original mosque that stood at the site, resembling the Koutoubia Mosque minaret of Morocco. Later, after the conversion of the mosque into the cathedral, the minaret was repurposed into a bell tower with a height of 105m.
Capilla Mayor
The main chapel showcases a wood carving, with 30-meter by 20-meter dimensions, incorporating elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Flemish art. It includes over 44 reliefs and 200 figures of saints. The structure is gilded with real gold, polychromy and precious stones and stands as testimony to the rich heritage of the cathedral.
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
The tomb of Christopher Columbus was brought to the Seville Cathedral from the Cathedral of Havana in Cuba after the Spanish-American War. The tomb is held aloft by four figures representing the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre, which united during Columbus' lifetime to form the foundation of modern Spain.
Frequently asked questions about Seville Cathedral
What is Seville Cathedral?
Once known as the Almohad mosque, Seville Cathedral was converted into a Roman Catholic church in 1248 when Ferdinand III of Castile captured Seville.
Why is the Seville Cathedral so famous?
Seville Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that happens to be the largest gothic cathedral and the fourth largest church in the world.
Where is Seville Cathedral located?
Seville Cathedral is located in the city of Seville, the southern Spanish province of Andalusia in Spain.
Who built the Seville Cathedral?
Seville Cathedral was a mosque, built by the Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, that was converted into a catholic church in 1248 with the conquest of Seville by Ferdinand III.
Why is Seville Cathedral important?
Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest gothic cathedral, and the fourth largest church in the world, the Seville Cathedral is a complex structure that reflects on the turbulent history and the changes in political power on the land of Seville, Spain.
Is Seville Cathedral worth visiting?
Yes, Seville Cathedral is worth visiting, with its beautiful architecture and rich historical and cultural connections.
Who is buried in the cathedral in Seville Spain?
Several important figures like Christopher Columbus and his son, Fernando III of Castile, Elisabeth of Hohenstaufen, Alfonso X of Castile, Pedro I of Castile & María Díaz de Padilla are buried in Seville Cathedral.
What are the unique features of Seville Cathedral?
La Giralda, Capilla Mayor or the Great Chapel, Royal Capel, Chapter House, and the Tomb of Christopher Columbus are some of Seville Cathedral’s interesting and unique features that make it worth visiting.
When was Seville Cathedral built?
Which elements from the mosque are still present in the Seville Cathedral?
Some of the original structures from the mosque were retained and preserved while building the cathedral, including the bell tower, La Giralda and Patio de los Naranjos.
What is known as Giralda in Seville Cathedral?
The bell tower of the Seville Cathedral, which previously served as the minaret to the former mosque is called La Giralda.
What is the other name of Seville Cathedral?
Seville Cathedral is also called the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See.
When was the construction of the Seville Cathedral completed?
Seville Cathedral was completed in the year 1528.
When was Seville Cathedral converted into a cathedral from a mosque?
In 1248, Seville Cathedral was converted into a cathedral from a mosque following the conquest of Seville by Ferdinand III.