About Cathedral & Giralda
Built 1401-1528 on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque, Seville Cathedral is the world's largest Gothic cathedral and third-largest church overall. The iconic Giralda tower was originally the mosque's minaret (1198) - its 104-meter height dominates Seville's skyline. Inside lies Christopher Columbus's tomb and priceless art by Murillo, Zurbarán, and Goya.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: Monday: 10:45 AM-5 PM | Tuesday-Saturday: 10:45 AM-6 PM | Sunday: 2:30-6 PM | Closed major holidays
- Best time: 10:45 AM opening (after morning mass) or late afternoon
- Least crowded: Tuesday-Thursday mornings in winter
- Note: Giralda tower closes 30 min before cathedral (no elevator - 35 ramps to climb)
💰 Costs
- General admission: €12 (includes Cathedral, Giralda, Church of El Salvador)
- Audio guide: €6 additional
- Students/seniors: €7 (with ID)
- Guided tours: €35-50 per person (skip-line + expert guide, 1.5 hours)
- Private guide: €160-280 for up to 6 people (doesn't include tickets)
Book ahead: Online tickets recommended for peak season. Official site: catedraldesevilla.es
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Decode symbolism: Every detail has meaning - guides reveal religious and historical significance
- Columbus mystery: Understand debate about whether remains are authentic
- Moorish origins: Learn how Christian cathedral incorporated Islamic architecture
- Art collection: Navigate 500+ years of Spanish religious art masterpieces
- Giralda history: Understand transformation from minaret to bell tower
✨ Don't Miss
- ⚰️ Columbus tomb: Four kings of Spain carry explorer's coffin (or do they? Guides explain controversy)
- 🔔 Giralda tower: Climb 35 ramps (not steps!) to panoramic city views
- ✨ Main Altarpiece: Largest altarpiece in Christianity - 20m high, covered in gold leaf
- 🍊 Patio de los Naranjos: Orange tree courtyard from original mosque
- 📚 Chapter House: Magnificent Renaissance dome, Murillo's Immaculate Conception
- 👑 Royal Chapel: Burial place of Ferdinand III who conquered Seville from Moors
📝 Practical Tips
- Book online: Skip ticket queues (30-60+ min in peak season)
- Arrive early: Security screening takes time
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered - it's an active cathedral
- Giralda climb: Ramps (not steps) were designed for horses - 35 ramps = 104m high
- Allow 1.5-2 hours: 2.5-3 hours if you climb Giralda and explore thoroughly
- Free entry: During mass hours (check schedule) but you can't tour properly
- Combined ticket: Includes Church of El Salvador nearby