Visiting Seville Cathedral is like stepping back through centuries of art, history and spirituality. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this Gothic gem is not only the third largest cathedral in the world, but also one of the most fascinating churches in Europe.
In this guide, I’ll tell you what to see, how to visit it and what details not to miss so you can make the most of your tour.

A glimpse into the history and curiosities of the Cathedral

From mosque to Gothic cathedral

Before its imposing structure was erected, this site was a 12th-century Almohad mosque. Elements from that period still remain, such as the Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of the Orange Trees) and the base of the Giralda. Construction of the current cathedral began in 1401, under the motto ‘let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it built will think us mad’. And they succeeded.

La Giralda: Seville’s most iconic symbol

Originally, it was the minaret of the mosque, and today it is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the city. Climbing its ramps (there are no stairs) is quite an experience: from the top, you can enjoy the best panoramic view of Seville, with the Guadalquivir River and the Alcázar at your feet.

Little-known facts

Few people know that the Cathedral houses more than 80 chapels, or that its main altarpiece is the largest of its kind in the world. In addition, its interior conceals secret inscriptions and alchemical symbols carved by medieval stonemasons.

What to see inside Seville Cathedral

The Main Chapel and its impressive altarpiece

The main altarpiece, dedicated to the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, is composed of more than 40 scenes carved in gilded wood. Every detail, from the figures to the gilded backgrounds, is a lesson in sacred art.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus

One of the most visited spots: a funerary monument supported by four heralds representing the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon and Navarre. Although there is still debate as to whether the remains are authentic, its majesty leaves no doubt as to its importance.

The Cathedral Treasury and the most valuable works of art

Its walls house a unique collection of paintings, sculptures and gold and silverwork, with pieces by Murillo, Goya and Zurbarán. The reliquary and processional monstrance by Juan de Arfe are true gems of the Spanish Renaissance.

The Orange Tree Courtyard: a corner with an Arab soul

This space preserves the spirit of the old mosque. Its fountains, arches and centuries-old orange trees offer a refreshing respite after touring the interior, and a direct connection to the city’s Islamic past.

Practical tips for visiting the Cathedral

Timetables, prices and ticket types

• Regular opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (may vary depending on the season).
• Tickets: available online on the official website or at the box office.
• Prices: general admission from €12, including access to La Giralda. Children under 14 enter free of charge.
• Guided tours: recommended if you want to better understand the artistic and religious symbolism of the temple.

How to avoid queues and the best times to visit

Queues usually form mid-morning. I recommend going first thing in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun shines on the stone and the experience is more peaceful. It is also a good idea to buy your ticket online in advance.

Recommended routes and combined visits

An ideal option is to combine your visit with the Archive of the Indies and the Real Alcázar, which are right next door. In just three hours, you can visit Seville’s three most important monuments without straying far from the historic centre.

What you can’t miss if it’s your first time

Viewpoints and views from the Giralda

Climbing the Giralda is an unmissable experience. From its height of 97 metres, the view of Seville’s rooftops, domes and interior courtyards is a picture-postcard scene you will never forget.

Surprising hidden details

If you look closely, you will see small human figures carved between the reliefs or symbols of ancient guilds on the columns. These are secret signatures of the medieval artists who participated in the construction.

Spiritual and photographic experience

Even if you are more of an art lover than a religious person, the interior atmosphere is impressive: the light filtering through the stained glass windows, the echo of the organ, and the smell of incense create a unique atmosphere that invites silence and contemplation.

Where to stay near Seville Cathedral

To enjoy the experience to the fullest, it is best to stay somewhere that reflects the essence of Seville. Just a few minutes from the Cathedral, in the heart of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, is the Casa del Poeta Boutique Hotel.

This accommodation combines modern comfort with the charm of a 17th-century Sevillian mansion. Its interior courtyards, elegant décor and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax after exploring the historic centre.

What’s more, its privileged location means you can walk to the Archive of the Indies, the Cathedral and the Alcázar in just a few minutes. An ideal choice for those who want to experience Seville from the inside, with style and authenticity.

Seville is a city that “envelops and captivates its visitor with a mixture of beauty and feeling. Its monuments, for example, the imposing Gothic cathedral, epicenter of one of the most extensive old quarters in Europe, is the perfect setting for a city that enjoys the street like no other”. Says Lonely Planet, the prestigious travel guide publisher that has Seville as one of the best destinations in the world.

Its artistic wealth, its modernization, its gastronomy, its climate and sustainable transportation options, such as its bike lane network, are just some of the excuses to visit the city and experience it intensely through a tour of the 10 essential places to visit in Seville.

1.- Plaza de España

You don´t need a lot of time to walk through the most famous and beloved gardens of the city, which were donated to the Sevillians by María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón in 1914. A detour from its central avenue leads us to the statue of Bécquer. The best thing to do, before entering the nearby Plaza de España, is to get lost in its labyrinthine paths, ponds, fountains and abundant vegetation. The Plaza de España was designed for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 by the architect Aníbal González, and maintains all the gallantry and romantic halo that have made it an absolutely unique space. Boat rides and waffle stands are ideal for a sunny day during fall.

2.- Cathedral

The largest Gothic temple in the world stands in the heart of the historic center with its impressive facade, imposing porticoes and a breathtaking interior, where the main altar, the scene of the dance of the sixes, is a few meters from the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Guided tours are organized every day, except for some holidays. This tour takes you to the Gothic Cathedral, the sacristies and the Renaissance chapter house, the treasury, the Giralda, the orange tree courtyard and the Church of El Salvador, located in the Plaza del Salvador, another of the city’s essential stops. One can also visit its roofs.

3.- Giralda

The majestic Almohad tower that crowns the Cathedral concentrates 800 years of our history. For many years it dominated the city’s skyline, with its 101 meters, a record snatched by the Seville Tower. The Giraldillo is its proud weather vane, whose replica can be admired at the Puerta del Principe.

4.- Museum of Fine Arts

The most important museum in Seville is also the second largest art gallery in Spain, with a valuable collection of paintings from the Baroque school (Zurbarán, Murillo and Valdés Leal), and major guest exhibitions. Admission is free for EU residents,  It is open on Sundays, so it is a good day to visit the art market in the Museum Square.

5.- Torre del Oro

The 13th century defensive tower is the tireless watchtower of the Guadalquivir and the pretty girl of Seville. A common picture that tourists take is from the nearby San Telmo Bridge to capture the image of the Torre del Oro in the foreground, the Giralda on the right and the Torre Sevilla on the left. Inside it contains the Maritime Museum of Seville, which can be visited for free on Mondays.

6.- The Royal Alcazar of Seville

One of the oldest palaces in use in the world, it is the most emblematic Arab monument of the city, with an interior decorated with royal gardens that have been the scene of numerous filming, such as the Game of Throne series. In addition from its Islamic tinsel and the baroque imprint left by the various reforms, it is a space of cultural activity of the first order that in summer lives one of its moments of greatest splendor with its traditional cycle of concerts under the stars.

7.- Legends and labyrinths of Santa Cruz

A labyrinth of narrow streets in the old Jewish quarter, which lead us to stately homes, typical courtyards, zaguanes, and squares, such as Santa Cruz, where a plaque reminds us that the remains of the famous painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo are located there. In the “Barrio de Santa Cruz” there are other very popular and beautiful corners, such as the Plazuela de Santa Marta, the Patio de Banderas or the Callejón del Agua.

8.- The Casa Consistorial of Seville

In the 15th century, with the discovery of America and the importance and wealth the city was acquiring, it was decided to create a new headquarter for the city hall, larger and of better quality. It was decided to place the Seville City Hall in the Plaza de San Francisco, which was a commercial area. High-end stores in the Plaza Nueva, where the Plateresque Town Hall is located, are the prelude to the commercial display of Tetuán and Sierpes streets. Although franchises are taking over these roads, there are still traditional stores capable of making us live a beautiful return to the past.

9 . Las Setas de Sevilla

Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located at “La Encarnación”. Designed by Jürgen Mayer, is a mega-gastrobar and subway museum, Antiquarium, all in one under six impressive umbrellas (parasols) that resemble a giant sea sponge. It is an important meeting point (day and night) of the city.

10.- Triana

Triana is the best known quarter of the city, following the historical centre, for its closeness to it and for being situated on the other side of
the Guadalquivir river. Our river divides the city into two river banks and ​Triana has the best views of the old town for its priviledge location.

When you are back from the old town to the Triana neighborhood,  admire the river from the Isabel II Bridge (from the Eiffel school), or its bridge from the river, or from Betis street is a “must”. Also, to have tapas in any of the old or new bars in the surroundings: Las Golondrinas, La Azotea, La cazuela de Manuela or Victoria 8.

Note that to enter Triana is to do so in Castile Street, at one end is the Basilica Minor of one of the Most Devoted Christs of Seville Holy Week: the Cachorro, the summit work of baroque imagery. Very close to the church, the bar ‘Sol y sombra’ feeds its fame with its home cooking, its fish and seafood and its exquisite pork from the Sierra de Huelva.

At Betis Street,  the most emblematic street of the quarter, we have Casa de Triana, our Suites and Luxury Apartments located at a historic house from the XIX century,

Seville “ las setas”

Seville “Las Setas “(Mushrooms) are one of the main attractions of the city. It is one of the most visited monuments, and according to a recent survey conducted by the Tourist Board, this space is arousing more interest than the Cathedral among tourists. As an architectural refurbishment, innovation and technological symbol, “Las Setas” are the world´s largest wooden made structure and they are located on the northern area of the old city, previously known as Encarnacion Square. Let´s find out a little more about this charming building.

“ Las setas” origins

Seville “ Las Setas” were originally referred to as Metropol Parasol Space and they were designed in order to renew Encarnacion Square. It aimed to link two independent areas located either side of the road, where cars usually drive, and to shade a leisure and entertainment area rich in history in our city.
Initially, it was not welcomed between neighbours due to an inadequate design completely opposed to the classicism of historical monuments, but it is being slowly accepted as a first move towards modernization of the Andalusian capital.
The structure was inaugurated in 2011 and due to a series of problems in its completion, the price increased from its initial budget to 86 million euros.

Its architect: jürgen mayer-hermann

The project was assigned to Jürgen Mayer-Hermann, as a winner in the International Contest of Ideas Encarnacion de Sevilla in 2004.
Jürgen is a german architect and artist, he was born in 1965 in Stutgartt. Some of his works were presented at the MOMA in New York and he was awarded for several of his works, as Mensa Moltke, University of Karlsruhe, before the building of “ Las Setas”.

Parasol construction and design

Having a size of 150  long, 70 wide and 26 metres high ,  Seville “Las Setas “ stand as one of the great monuments in the historical centre. As previously mentioned, it was basically built from wood, it took more than 7.500 wooden elements linked together with steel structures.

One enchanting walk

“Las Setas” construction were intended to provide a cultural area in the city centre . Its main square was designed for major events and the cellar holds royal ruins belonging to the Roman period, it is called Antiquarium . Encarnacion´s market is placed inside, where you could enjoy our local cuisine.

This area is plenty of terraces, restaurants, cafeterias and bars to enjoy Seville evening and night.

On the top of the building, there is a viewpoint, which is a lovely walk through Seville sky. A tour through the top of Metropol Parasol that overlooks 360º views of the city, perfect to get a more accurate picture of its size and morphology.

There are free visits to this space excluding the Museum and the Viewpoint, they offer a unique entertainment city experience at a small fee.

In order to improve the visit, there is a Tourist Information Point, as well as a “Past View “service providing a Virtual tour that turns this setting to a medieval city.

Casa Del Poeta would like to recommend you a visit to this charming venue and our front desk staff will assist you if you should require any further information.

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