“Hagamos una Iglesia tan hermosa y tan grandios que los que la vieren labrada nos tengan por locos” which translates to “Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will think we are mad” said the ones who built the Seville Cathedral, and they have most definitely accomplished just that. The Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil, it is the 3rd largest church in the world!
The Cathedral dominates Seville's skyline like no other building and you'll be magnetically pulled towards it from the time you step foot in the city. Not just because you can see it from pretty much every corner of Seville, but because of its breathtaking beauty.
Nothing this great comes free, so you will need a ticket to explore this cathedral and I'd most definitely recommend a tour with a historian local while you're here. To know all about the history, what to see, timings, to getting the best-priced Seville Cathedral tickets in town, read on.
Catedral de Sevilla In A Nutshell
Handy information
| ☀️ Best time to visit: | September to January |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2 hours |
| 🎟️ Fast Track Tickets: | €11 |
| 🚄 Closest Subway Stop: | Puerta Jerez |
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday - 10:45am–5pm
Sunday - 2:30–6:30pm
Must-see
La Giralda (Bell Tower)
Main Chapel (Capilla Mayor)
Royal Chapel (Capilla Real)
Sacristy and Treasury
Patio de los Naranjos
Majestic Gothic Interior
Address
Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Get There
Why Visit Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is the 4th largest church in the world and the largest Gothic church ever built. The Cathedral is so huge that you could fit a soccer field in it. Not only is it known for its spaciousness, but also its unique main altarpiece. Covered in gold leaf, the main altarpiece tells the story of Jesus in 40 scenes. The interior demands just as much of your admiration with the intricate details of the cathedral, like the spinnable music rack, the pallbearers carrying the tomb of Christopher Colombus, and the tall columns holding the roof 130 feet above the ground.
Located in the center of the old town, the Cathedral is built on the ashes of a Grand Mosque by the Moors, which was previously built on an ancient Roman temple. It is surrounded by the Archive of the Indies, Archbishop’s Palace, and the Royal Alcazar Seville. This makes the Seville Cathedral one of the most important landmarks in Andalusia and needs to be on the top of your Spain bucket list.
Seville Cathedral History In 10 Seconds
The history of the Seville Cathedral can be traced back to 1401 when its construction began on the ruins of the Moorish Grand Mosque. It was pitched as one of the greatest churches to be ever built, in a display of the victory of Christianity over the Moors of Andalusia, and stands true to it in the test of time. The Cathedral was completed in 1507, over a century after its construction began, and presented itself as the largest Gothic church of all time.
The completed Cathedral seems to have been frozen in time with the art and architecture representing an era when Seville rose to economic success. The central nave is the longest in Spain, reaching 42 meters, and the Gothic structure houses over 80 chapels. With Christopher Columbus’s tomb, the altarpiece painting the life of Jesus, the piddling details on its walls, and the many minutiae hidden in plain sight, the Cathedral is one of the most interesting edifices you will ever witness.
Types Of Seville Cathedral Tickets
Before you go scouting for your Seville Cathedral tickets, here's a little about the Cathedral that will give you context on what a typical ticket includes. There are two main parts to the Seville Cathedral - the Cathedral and Giralda (Bell Tower). The Giralda is one of the oldest parts of this building and you can climb right up to the top of the Bell Tower and enjoy terrific views of Seville. All tickets are inclusive of entry to both these parts of the Cathedral.
Now let's look at the 4 different types Seville Cathedral tickets
- General Admission Tickets - These are the most basic tickets (8) which give you access to the Cathedral and the Giralda. You don't have a skip the line option or guided tour with these tickets basic tickets, but they can be purchased online in advance from the official website. Should you want, you can purchase an audio guide on-ground to complement these tickets.
- Skip The Line Tickets - These fast-track tickets allow you to skip-the-lines and avoid the queues that could take up to 1-2 hours. You can waltz in by just flashing your mobile tickets. They give you access to the Cathedral & Giralda allowing you a comprehensive and quick visit to the Cathedral.
- Skip-the-line Tickets With Guided Tour - This one's the real deal, a personal favorite. You get a chance to explore the Seville Cathedral with a historian guide who will usher you in, away from the crowds and promises an impeccable tour. Enrich your experience with the stories and facts he relays while being in complete awe of the cathedral.
- The Super Combo: Alcazar + Cathedral - Seville has 2 prime attractions - the Alcazar and the Cathedral of Seville. If you're planning to visit them both, why not grab a combo ticket and save a few euros? Also, you can do away with the hassle of buying two separate tickets and having them bundled into one! Makes sense? Yes! Here's more about visiting the Alcazar of Seville
The Best Way To Score Seville Cathedral Tickets
Third-Party Vendors
The best part about third-party vendors like Headout is that you get to score a few discounts on your purchase as compared to the official website prices. Moreover, you have the option of buying combo deals and guided tours that the website may not offer you.
The Guided Tours
To make the best of your Seville Cathedral experience, I would strongly recommend a guided tour. Having a local historian bilingual guide who details the history, facts and lores of the Cathedral enrich your experience leaps and bounds. They are totally worth the extra money spent and you can thank me later for it! Moreover, these guided tours allow you to skip the line which is an absolute boon during peak hours/seasons.
On-Site Purchase
This is most definitely the easiest and cheapest way to get tickets as it involves no planning. You just have to turn up and stand in a queue to get your ticket. However, queues to buy tickets for the Cathedral can be long, slow and very, very tiring. Temperatures in Seville reach 40 degrees celsius during summers and by the time you get your tickets, you probably want to head home for a nap!
Inside Seville Cathedral
Here are some of the most important highlights of the art and architecture of Seville Cathedral you should pay special attention to.
Although not part of the interior, Le Giralda is one of the structures that will immediately catch your attention. It is the bell tower of the Cathedral and stands 343 feet tall. It was the minaret of the previous Mosque that stood there and has been registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Cathedral comprises 15 doors along its four facades; North, South, East, and West facades. The Door Of Assumption, Door of Saint Miguel, Door of the Prince, Door of Palos, and Door of the Bells are some of the doors you should give the eye to.
Catedral de Sevilla is so huge that there are 80 chapels inside it. In the year 1896, 500 masses were said in total in these chapels. The most interesting of them is the baptistery Chapel of Saint Anthony which houses the painting of The Vision of St. Anthony by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo where the infamous robbery took place. The painting was apparently stolen and shipped all the way to be sold in one of New York City’s art museums in 1875 for only $250!
The Cathedral is also known for being the burial place of old-world big names such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Columbus, Fernando III of Castile, and Elisabeth of Hohenstaufen, Alfonso X of Castile, Pedro I of Castile, and María Díaz de Padilla.
Visiting The Seville Cathedral
Opening Hours
Monday from 11:00 AM to 15:30 PM
Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 17:00 PM
Sunday from 14:30 PM to 18:00 PM
July and August (except July 17 and 25)
Monday from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM (box office until 3:30 PM)
From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (box office until 5:00 PM)
Sundays from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (box office until 6:00 PM)
Getting There
By Subway: The closest subway station is Puerta Jerez and is only a 400 meters walk to the Cathedral.
By Train: The closest train station is Sevilla-San Bernardo. From San Bernardo you can take the tram to Archivo de Indias which will drop you just outside the Cathedral.
By Tram: The closest tram station is Archivo de Indias which will drop you just outside the Cathedral.
By Bus: The closest bus stop is Paseo Cristóbal Colón (Dos de Mayo) which is only 200 meters from the Cathedral.
Best Time To Visit Seville Cathedral
Although March to May is the most ideal time of the year to visit Seville, the city is most likely swarmed with tourists. Seville in October on the other hand experiences less crowd, cheaper accommodations with its share of rainy days. However, the best time of the day to visit is during the early opening hours.
Seville Cathedral Map
Use the below map to navigate your way through.
Good To Know Before You Go
- On Mondays, there is a free tour of Seville Cathedral including an audio guide and access to the La Giralda Towers from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. However, you have to pre-register by writing them at reservas@catedraldesevilla.es or making a reservation on the official website. Make sure you do this well in advance as they sell out real quick.
- There is a maximum of six La Giralda tours each day, with only one or two in English – the others are in Spanish or French. Only 25 people are allowed on each tour, so it's no surprise that they sell out real quick! Grab your tickets in advance to grab a spot.
- There are no stairs to La Giralda de Sevilla. Instead, there is a series of 35 gently inclined ramps that are wide enough to allow two horses to pass by at the same time. While the ramp does make the climb easier, those with knee problems and other mobility issues should give it a thought before starting the climb. The ramp however makes it accessible for those on wheelchairs. However, those who have braved the 343 ft climb are rewarded the best views of Seville city.
- The opening hours of the Cathedral can be modified due to religious ceremonies and other cultural activities. Make sure you check the Cathedral’s calendar to confirm visits are allowed.
- If you purchased the Seville Card, you can waltz into the Cathedral with skip the line access.
- Buying tickets to a combo guided tour that covers the Alcazar of Seville and Cathedral is the best way to see the two gems of Seville. You can do away with the hassle of buying two separete tickets and standing in two terribly long queues!
Hotels Near Seville Cathedral
Staying over near Seville Cathedral has a bunch of advantages. The Cathedral is located in the centre of the city and is close to all the major attractions of the city. Not to forget that you will also be rewarded with a pleasing sight of the Seville Cathedral from your hotel room.
Live in an 18th-century mansion in central Seville at Simon Hotel. The decor and furniture give you a taste of the Sevillian king's chambers. The hotel is also equipped with all modern amenities such as WiFi, ironing service, air-conditioning, breakfast hall and more!
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 50 meters
Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Seville. The service and rooms are top-notch and the best in town. They have a beautiful terrace dining set up overlooking the Giralda of the Cathedral. If you love to swim or sun bathe, their swimming pool area will surely spoil you.
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 100 meters
If you want to experience the charm of Seville’s culture, head to Hotel Casa de Colon. The hotel retains its colonial architecture style infused with modern decor. The rooms are bright yet cozy giving you the best view of the city.
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 100 meters
Joya Del Casco is a Boutique Hotel in a traditional 19th-century building. It gives you a peek into Seville’s new and modern lifestyle without burning a hole in your pocket. They also have a pool overlooking the city’s skyline.
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 200 meters
Restaurants Near Seville Cathedral
The Cathedral is located in the center of Seville, which is also the food hub of the city. Here are some amazing restaurants near Seville Cathedral that you should consider visiting.
If you are looking for a restaurant to woo your palette, head to Abaceria del Postigo. They serve modern Spanish and Mediterranean delicacies. The ambience is cozy and their service is hospitable. They also have a full bar, if you plan on visiting in the evenings.
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 850 meters
True to their name, We Love Italy, serves yummy Italian Pizza, Mediterranean, Cafe, Healthy, Romana, Lazio, and Central-Italian recipes. If you are tired of tapas yet want a taste of authentic food, this place is a great option. They also have vegan and vegetarian options for those who want to eat healthier.
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 160 meters
Take a bite of healthy Spanish and European favorites at Cafe Filo. You can also step in for some appetizing smoothies or for breakfast before your Seville Cathedral Tour. Their omelet, freshly squeezed orange juice, and dessert are some of the local’s favorites.
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 240 meters
Al Wadi is a Moroccan restaurant serving lip-smacking authentic food from the streets of Morocco in Seville. Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten-Free Options are available as part of the menu. Their lamb chops cooked on charcoal, seasoned fries, Arabic rice & an oriental mixed salad are among the most popular orders.
Distance from Seville Cathedral: 350 meters
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seville Cathedral worth visiting?
What do I do if the tickets are sold out?
Is the Seville Cathedral Guided Tour recommended?
Can I visit only the La Giralda Rooftop without purchasing a ticket to the Cathedral?
Is there a way to see the Seville Cathedral for free?
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