Fast-track entry to the awe-inspiring Cathedral and its legendary bell tower, La Giralda. Step beneath soaring vaults to admire masterpieces by Murillo, Zurbarán and Goya, and pause at the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus. Then ascend La Giralda’s gentle ramps to panoramic city views beside El Giraldillo. Upgrade with a multilingual audio guide (EN/ES/FR/IT/DE) to uncover the site’s journey from 12th-century mosque to the world’s largest Gothic church. Recent visitors rave about the easy ticketing and unforgettable interiors—go early to beat the crowds—a must-see pairing of art, history, and skyline vistas in the heart of Seville.
Itenerary
- Arrive at Seville Cathedral at your booked time; use skip-the-line entry.
- (Optional) Pick up the multilingual audio guide (EN/ES/FR/IT/DE).
- Enter the Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede and explore the central nave and chapels.
- View masterpieces by Zurbarán, Murillo, and Goya while hearing their stories via the audio guide.
- Pause at Christopher Columbus’s monumental tomb near the Puerta del Príncipe.
- Learn how the 12th-century mosque was transformed after King Fernando III’s conquest.
- Ascend La Giralda via its gentle ramps to take in panoramic views and see El Giraldillo.
- Descend and finish inside the cathedral complex; explore further or take photos at your pace.
This self-guided Cathedral & La Giralda access is ideal for culture lovers, architecture and art enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and independent travellers who value flexibility, skip-the-line entry, and a multilingual audio guide to deepen their understanding of works by Murillo, Zurbarán, and Goya. Photographers and skyline seekers will enjoy panoramic views from La Giralda, while history buffs will appreciate the story of the mosque-to-cathedral conversion and Columbus’s monumental tomb.
It may be less suitable for travellers who dislike crowds (the tower can be busy—early morning is best), anyone with vertigo or sensitivity to heights, and visitors with limited mobility who may find the tower ascent tiring. Families with very young children or strollers, and those needing refundable or last-minute, guaranteed confirmations, may also prefer another option.
History
- 1184–1198: The Almohad dynasty builds Seville’s Great Mosque and its soaring minaret—today’s La Giralda—originally topped with copper spheres.
- 1248: King Ferdinand III of Castile conquers Seville; the mosque is consecrated as a cathedral. The Patio de los Naranjos (orange-tree courtyard) is retained.
- 1356: A major earthquake damages parts of the former mosque complex, accelerating plans for a grand Christian temple.
- 1401–1506: Construction of the vast Gothic Seville Cathedral (Santa María de la Sede), now one of the world’s largest churches.
- 1558–1568: A Renaissance belfry is added to La Giralda and crowned with El Giraldillo, a bronze weather vane symbolising Faith.
- 1506–1898: Christopher Columbus’s tomb and claimed remains are installed here after several relocations (debate persists).
- 1987: The Cathedral, La Giralda, and nearby sites gain UNESCO World Heritage status.
Included
- Seville Cathedral ticket
- La Giralda Tower ticket
- Audio guide (if option selected)
- Booking fee
Languages
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian