Seville Cathedral, Giralda & Guided Tours

The Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the largest in Europe, stands on the site of a former Almohad mosque. Construction of the cathedral began in 1401, after the Christian Reconquista, when the city was taken from the Moors. It was completed in the early 16th century, and the cathedral reflects the splendor of Seville during its peak in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The original design is Gothic, but over the centuries, Renaissance and Baroque elements were added.

Inside the cathedral are numerous chapels, altars, and priceless works of art. One of the most notable features is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, whose remains were relocated to Seville in 1795 from Havana, Cuba, and now rest in a monumental tomb in the cathedral’s central nave. The cathedral also houses an impressive collection of artistic treasures, including paintings by Murillo and other Renaissance artists, as well as one of the largest collections of religious gold and silver works in Spain.

Next to the cathedral stands the Giralda, a bell tower that was originally built as a minaret for the former Almohad mosque in the 12th century. The Giralda is one of Seville’s most iconic monuments and a symbol of the city. The tower was designed by architect Ahmed Ben Baso in Islamic style, but after the Reconquista, it was adapted for use as a Christian bell tower, incorporating Renaissance architectural elements.

Standing at 104 meters (341 feet) tall, the Giralda once dominated the medieval city and remains one of the tallest and most beautiful structures in Seville. What makes the tower even more unique is its system of ramps instead of stairs, which allowed guards and bell ringers to ride horses to the top. At the top of the tower is the “Giraldillo,” a bronze statue representing Faith, which gives the tower its name. This sculpture gleams in the sunlight and is a recognizable symbol of Seville.

Together, the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda are not only among the world’s greatest architectural wonders but also serve as the spiritual and historical heart of Seville. These structures reflect the layers of history that define the city: the lasting influence of Islam on its architecture, the transition to Christian rule, and the rise of Seville’s political and economic power during the Middle Ages.

In 1987, both the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, recognizing their historical, artistic, and architectural significance. Today, they are among Spain’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year to admire their beauty, learn about Seville’s history, and explore the secrets held within this majestic complex.