Monuments · Cathedral

Seville Cathedral and the Giralda: keys to your visit

One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, built over a mosque whose minaret remains the symbol of the city.

By María Ramírez, Official Tourist Guide · Reviewed on 25 September 2026

Seville Cathedral was built from the 15th century onwards over the Almohad great mosque, keeping its Courtyard of the Orange Trees and the minaret, which became the Giralda. Allow an hour and a half to two hours and book on the official website.

Why it matters

The Cathedral is the statement of intent of a city that in the 15th century wanted to match its wealth, and that a century later would become the port of the Americas. Its size is no whim: it is a message of power aimed at anyone arriving in Seville.

At the same time, it did not erase what came before. The Giralda and the Courtyard of the Orange Trees are still there, woven into the Christian complex. That layering, more than any single work, is what sets it apart among Europe’s great cathedrals: in one visit you can read the passage from Almohad Isbiliya to Castilian and Renaissance Seville.

What is worth looking at

The scale
Before looking for specific works, stop in the central nave. The Cathedral was designed to impress, and taking in its size is part of the visit.
The high altarpiece
A monumental Gothic altarpiece in gilded wood with dozens of carved scenes. It is among the largest in Christendom.
The tomb of Columbus
Four heralds representing the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon and Navarre carry the coffin. The remains arrived from Havana at the end of the 19th century.
The choir and its stalls
In the middle of the church, an almost self-contained space of carved stalls and monumental organs.
The Giralda and the Courtyard of the Orange Trees
You climb the Almohad minaret by ramps, not stairs, and from the top the city’s layout makes sense. Back down, the Courtyard of the Orange Trees recalls the mosque’s ablutions court.

Essential history in six milestones

Date	Milestone
1172	The Almohads begin the great mosque of Isbiliya.
1184–1198	The minaret that is now the Giralda is built.
1248	After the Castilian conquest, the mosque is consecrated as a cathedral.
15th century	The chapter decides to build a new church and the Gothic cathedral is begun.
1568	Hernán Ruiz crowns the Giralda with the belfry and the Giraldillo weathervane.
1987	UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site.

How to plan your visit

How longAn hour and a half for the interior; add half an hour for the Giralda.
Best timeEarly on there are fewer people. At night, the floodlit exterior deserves a separate stroll.
TicketsBuy on the official Cathedral website, which lists opening times, prices and Giralda access conditions.
A working churchAccess is restricted during services. Dress respectfully.

What to see nearby

The Real Alcázar and the Archive of the Indies are across Plaza del Triunfo. After dark, Plaza Virgen de los Reyes offers the best view of the illuminated Giralda; if that appeals, see the Seville by night tour.

Want to understand the Cathedral with a guide?

The Alcázar, Cathedral and Santa Cruz tour links the Cathedral with the palace and the old Jewish quarter.

Ask about the monuments tour

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb the Giralda?

Usually yes, via ramps. Check current conditions and times on the official website.

How long does it take to see the Cathedral?

An hour and a half for the interior and another half hour for the Giralda.

Is Columbus buried in the Cathedral?

The Cathedral holds his funerary monument, with remains that arrived from Havana in the late 19th century and that later genetic studies attributed to Columbus.

Why is there a courtyard of orange trees?

It is the former ablutions court of the Almohad mosque, kept when the cathedral was built.