When Was the Seville Cathedral Built?

Construction of Seville Cathedral began in 1401 on the site of the old Great Mosque of Seville, which was built by the Almohad Caliphate in the late 12th century. The cathedral was built to show Seville’s wealth and power after the Reconquista. The main structure was finished in 1506, but work continued into the 16th century, adding Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

The Giralda, originally part of the mosque, was turned into the bell tower. The mix of Islamic and Christian architecture gives the cathedral its unique look. Over the years, the Seville Cathedral has survived several big earthquakes, including the huge Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which caused a lot of damage. After this, repairs were made to fix the collapsed parts of the dome and reinforce the structure. Over the years, other restoration projects have helped keep the cathedral’s beautiful facades, maintain the Giralda, and restore the artwork and altarpieces inside.

What to See at the Seville Cathedral

• The Giralda
• Christopher Columbus’ Tomb
• The Great Chapel and Altarpiece
• Royal Chapel
• Patio de los Naranjos
• The Door of Forgiveness (A rather photogenic spot in my opinion)

Christopher Columbus’s tomb is one of the most important (and interesting!) parts of Seville Cathedral. The tomb itself is an impressive structure, with four large figures representing the kingdoms of Spain during Columbus’ life carrying his coffin.But here’s the interesting part, this is just one of a few tombs said to hold his remains. It seems only part of him is actually buried here, as at least one other country also claims to have some of his bones. The Dominican Republic, for example, also claims they have some of his remains too.

The Patio de los Naranjos was once the courtyard of the old mosque but has been completely transformed since the building became a Christian cathedral. This kind of courtyard is rare but can also be seen at the Mezquita in Córdoba. It has a grid of orange trees, each planted in a stone circle and connected by small irrigation channels. It’s especially beautiful during Seville’s orange blossom season when the air is filled with a sweet scent.

The Door of Forgiveness is the entrance to the Patio of the Oranges. Its raw Moorish architecture immediately stands out, even with the Christian reliefs around it trying their best to cover up its Arab heritage. Above the door, there’s a relief showing the Bible story of Jesus driving the merchants out of the temple. There’s also a plaque honoring Miguel de Cervantes, the famous 18th-century writer. This entrance really reminds me a lot of Granada.

The Capilla Real (or Royal Chapel) is from the 16th century and is the burial place of the Castilian monarchs. It also houses the crypt of King Ferdinand III. If you get the chance, try to attend a mass in the Royal Chapel—it’s the only way to see inside since it’s usually closed to visitors. It’s too bad (but understandable) that it’s off-limits most of the time because it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the cathedral.

The altarpiece of Seville Cathedral’s Main Chapel is a stunning masterpiece, made of wood beautifully gilded with gold. While work on it started in the 1480s, before the discovery of America, the wealth taken from the New Continent helped give it the grandeur we see today. The wood carvings are incredibly well designed—the upper carvings are much larger than the lower ones to create the right perspective when viewed from the cathedral floor. It’s an impressive sight!

Visiting the Seville Cathedral

Visitors to Seville Cathedral can explore its huge interior, admire the beautiful altarpiece in the Capilla Mayor, and see the Royal Chapel, which holds the remains of Ferdinand III of Castile. Climbing the Giralda is a must, it gives you amazing views of Seville’s rooftops and historic center. From up there, you can also see the pretty Patio de los Naranjos, a courtyard with orange trees around an old Arab fountain. But don’t forget to enjoy it at ground level too!

The cathedral often hosts religious events, including the famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions. During this special week, the streets around the cathedral fill with processions of beautifully decorated floats, solemn music, and people dressed in traditional robes. The cathedral plays a central role in these events, as many brotherhoods (cofradías) pass through its doors on their way through the city.

Hotels with a View of the Seville Cathedral

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	EME Catedral Mercer Hotel	From € 205 / night
Luxury	Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla	From € 225 / night
Mid-range	Casa Alhaja by Shiadu	From € 107 / night
Budget	Hotel Fernando III	From € 110 / night

Tips for visiting the Seville Cathedral

• Book your tickets at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance and make sure to respect your time slot.
• Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
• As soon as you enter the Cathedral, go straight up the Giralda Tower before it gets too busy with tour groups. La Giralda is even more enjoyable when it’s less crowded.
• Try to time your visit to the Giralda to be at the top on the hour or half-hour so you can hear the bells ring up close.
• If you didn’t buy a ticket in advance, you can skip the main queue outside the Cathedral by getting a combined ticket at San Salvador Church. This ticket gives you access to the church, the Cathedral and the Giralda.
• Book a rooftop tour of the Cathedral through the official website (20 EUR, no waiting in line). It’s totally worth it, even if you’re not a fan of heights!