In a city brimming with rich history and iconic landmarks, finding new ways to explore well-known attractions can be a challenge. However, right in the heart of Seville’s busy historic center, there’s a hidden gem that offers a fresh perspective on one of the city’s most famous landmarks – the Seville Cathedral. The Seville Cathedral Rooftop Tour lets you see the building from a unique angle that not many people get to experience. (You might see it refered to as the Cubiertas de la Catedral de Sevilla.)
Surprisingly, I only learned about this amazing tour after I had already planned my trip to Seville. But now, you’ll be in the know.
Let yourself be taken to new heights!
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Getting Tickets for the Seville Cathedral Rooftop Tour
When I last checked, there were a few rooftop tours available each day in English, Spanish, and French. English and Spanish tours are in the morning and evening, while the French ones are less common. The tour time depends on the language chosen, but they usually start between 9:00 and 9:30 AM and between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. (Some call the later tickets « afternoon tickets, » but to me, 9:00 PM feels more like evening! hahaha!)
You can get tour tickets in two ways:
- Either go to the ticket desk in person on the day of the tour (if there are any left)
- Or book online in advance through the official Cathedral website.
It seems they release tickets on the 1st of each month for the next two months. (For example, tickets for September become available at the beginning of August.) Each tour has a maximum of 25 spots, so if you really want to take the guided rooftop tour in your language, I definitely recommend buying your tickets online a few days in advance.
Skip the line for the Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcazar (No Rooftop included!)
Do you need to print the tickets for the tour?
The online ticket terms say you should print them, but no need to worry. Lots of people just show their tickets on their phones, and it works fine.
Where is the meetup point for the rooftop tour of the cathedral of Seville?
At the Puerta de San Miguel on Avenida de la Constitución.
What if there are no more tour tickets available in my language?
If all the spots in English are taken, but there are some left in another language, take the tour anyway. The rooftop tour is still worth it, even if you can’t understand the guide. It’s that special!
What is the rooftop tour of Seville Cathedral like?
Exploring the rooftops of the Cathedral of Seville is a fantastic addition to your visit, especially if you’re an architecture lover (like me) or enjoy unique experiences.
Make sure to be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts, right outside the big door on Avenida de la Constitución, close to the main entrance of the Cathedral.
Don’t worry about not hearing the guide.
They will provide you with headphones during the tour, so you can listen to their commentary as you walk around the top of the building.
- The tour begins inside the cathedral, where you’ll pass through the nave to see Christopher Columbus’s tomb.
- Then, you’ll go through a small, modest door that leads to the stairs taking you up to the rooftops.
- The first climb offers a great view of the streets below and the nearby Real Alcazar.
- After that, you’ll go even higher to the top of the domed chapel and the rooftops of the nave.
Be prepared to climb many stairs.
How much does the Cathedral rooftop tour cost?
The rooftop tour is priced at €20 per person (as of July 2023). This cost covers entry to the cathedral, the Giralda bell tower, and the Church of El Salvador, which is located on the nearby Plaza del Salvador.
Usually, entry tickets to the cathedral, along with the Giralda and the Church of El Salvador, cost €11. For just €9 more, the rooftop tour offers an incredible experience, making it a great deal for what you get to see.
When can you use the rooftop tour ticket to visit the cathedral?
- If you’re on the morning rooftop tour: Just visit the cathedral afterward.
- If you’re on the evening rooftop tour: After your tour, you’ll be guided out of the cathedral, and access to the Giralda and other areas will be closed. If you want to explore the cathedral earlier in the day, show your ticket at the Puerta del Lagarto or Puerta de San Cristóbal entrances during opening hours. If you haven’t done that, your tour guide can arrange a slip for you, allowing entrance the next day without waiting in line or buying another ticket.
To help you plan better, know that:
- If you want to visit the cathedral and do the rooftop tour on the same day, it is going to be easier with a morning ticket.
- The rooftop tour takes about 90 minutes.
- Visiting both the cathedral and the Giralda takes around 75 minutes. and the cathedral is usually open for visits from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. (Check on the official Website for exceptions.)
6 Recommendations for a Wonderful Tour of the Seville Cathedral Rooftop
- Make sure to wear comfy shoes; sneakers are perfect, but sandals are not.
- There are several parts of the tour where you’ll be outdoors. (you’re on a rooftop afterall!)
- Remember to bring a water bottle, put on sunscreen, and you might also want to think about wearing a hat.
- The best time to take a picture of the Giralda is when you’re on top of the domed chapel.
- For a different rooftop experience, head to the EME Rooftop Bar at Mercer Hotel. Grab a cocktail there and enjoy the Cathedral even more.
- If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email the cathedral. When I emailed them, they replied to me in less than an hour.
Reasons not to take the tour of the rooftops
- If you’re traveling with kids, everyone needs to be at least 9 years old for safety reasons.
- This might not be the right tour for everyone, especially those afraid of heights and/or tight spaces. The tour mostly takes you through elevated areas, reaching around 25 meters in height, with serpentine stairwells and tight walkways.
- Climbing up there can be quite tough. If you feel like the steep climb might be challenging for you, check out Las Setas de Seville instead. They have an elevator to the top, a nice walkway around (and a cafe up there), and you can still enjoy great views across Seville.
Why I believe the Seville Cathedral rooftop tour is worth it?
I really believe that the Seville Cathedral rooftop tour is worth it. It really is a hidden spot in the middle of Seville’s busy historic center.
It’s a great way to learn more about the cathedral’s history and what makes it unique, including its special relationship with terracotta pots! The close-up views of the Giralda and the flying buttresses are truly impressive, and you’ll also get to walk inside the cathedral on a narrow pathway.
Plus, it’s a fantastic value compared to the regular ticket.
Want to explore more of Seville?
