Cathedral of Seville - Santa María de la Sede

In the heart of the city lies the famous Cathedral of Seville. During the Moorish period, a mosque stood here for centuries. When Ferdinand III reconquered Seville from the Moors in 1258, the mosque was repurposed as a cathedral. In 1403, it was demolished, and on its remains, the current cathedral was built, which was consecrated in 1506.

Remnants of the Moorish era still visible today include the courtyard (the Patio de Naranjas – Orange Tree Courtyard) and the original minaret, now known as La Giralda. This tower, one of the most important icons of the city, stands 104 meters high and serves as a key landmark for many Sevillians. Tourists can climb the Giralda, not via stairs but through a sloping passageway that was once used by horses to ascend.

The Cathedral's immense dimensions are impressive, with an interior length of 127 meters, a width of 83 meters, and a height of 43 meters. Its richly decorated and imposing interior features numerous artworks. The centrally located choir, enclosed by an ornate grille, is particularly striking.

Key highlights include the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the treasury, and the Royal Chapel, dedicated to Ferdinand III.

Interesting Facts About the Seville Cathedral:

• If a Sevillian tells you about the Cathedral, they will likely claim it is the largest in the world. This is true if we consider Gothic cathedrals, but in reality, it is the third largest after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
• Unlike most cathedrals, Seville’s Cathedral does not have a Latin cross floor plan. Instead, its floor is square, as it was built on the foundations of the original mosque.
• If you visit the Patio de Naranjas, look up. In one of the rooms, you will see unusual objects hanging from the ceiling: a wooden crocodile, a walking stick, an elephant’s tusk, and a horse’s bit. These artifacts date back to the 13th century and the reign of King Alfonso the Wise.
• Columbus’ tomb was originally intended to be placed in Havana to commemorate the discovery of the Americas. However, when Spain lost Cuba and the Philippines in 1898, it was decided to relocate the remains to Seville.
• In addition to Columbus, the cathedral also holds the remains of King Ferdinand III and Columbus’ son and biographer, Hernando Columbus.
• Around the Cathedral, you will see chains hanging. These symbolized the boundary between the power of the church and the state. Beyond these chains, the power of civil justice ceased, allowing citizens to seek asylum within the church. Depending on the crime committed, the church decided whether to grant protection.
• The steps near these chains were a center of commerce in the 15th and 16th centuries, where merchants made deals and even slaves were traded.
• Seville has been working for years to restore the Cathedral’s original white color. Due to years of air pollution, the entire structure turned brown. During cleaning efforts, it was discovered that the original color was nearly white. Additionally, strange red markings resembling ancient graffiti were found. Initially, their origin was unknown, but the prevailing theory now is that they were painted by students celebrating their graduation. Similar markings can be found on other buildings in Seville, such as the Archivo de Indias.

We highly recommend taking a tour of the Cathedral’s rooftops, an extraordinary experience that offers breathtaking views of Seville. Afterward, you are free to explore the interior of the Cathedral at your own pace.

Important! To enter the church, certain dress codes apply: sleeveless shirts are not allowed, women cannot wear shorts, and flip-flops should be left at the hotel. Since the Cathedral still functions as a Catholic church, it also has limited visiting hours.

For more information about a customized visit, including a city walk and a English-speaking official city guide, please visit our City Walk & Cathedral page.