Seville Cathedral and La Giralda Tower Entry Ticket

Seville Cathedral: the largest Gothic cathedral in the world

Seville Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, was built between 1401 and 1506 on the site of the city's great mosque, after King Ferdinand III captured Seville from its Almohad rulers in 1248. The canons wanted a church so large, it is said, that future generations would think them mad. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the biggest churches of any kind, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A visit takes about an hour and a half, more if you climb the tower. Many visitors search for Seville Cathedral tickets to avoid the queue at the ticket office, and this timed ticket does exactly that, giving you entry to the cathedral and to La Giralda.

Inside the cathedral: Columbus, the altarpiece and the art

The tomb of Christopher Columbus stands near the Puerta del Príncipe, carried by four heralds who represent the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon and Navarre. The remains are those of the explorer, although scholars still discuss how much is certain. The high altar holds an enormous gilded altarpiece, a carved wooden work that is among the largest of its kind in the world.

Chapels and side rooms hold paintings by Murillo, Zurbarán, Goya and other Spanish masters. With the audio guide you hear the history of the cathedral, the story of its canons and details of the art in English. Outside, the Courtyard of the Orange Trees, a leftover of the mosque, is a peaceful place to rest.

La Giralda: the tower and its views

La Giralda began as the minaret of the twelfth-century mosque and was crowned with a Renaissance bell tower in the sixteenth century. It stands more than a hundred metres high and is the symbol of Seville. Its topmost figure, El Giraldillo, is a bronze weathervane that turns with the wind.

You climb not by stairs but by a series of gentle ramps, designed so that guards could ride to the top on horseback. The view from the belfry takes in the rooftops of the old town, the Alcázar and the Guadalquivir river. It is one of the best views in Seville and a highlight for anyone wondering whether the ticket is worth it.

Planning your visit: dress code, opening hours and best time

A dress code applies inside the cathedral: shorts, sleeveless tops, short skirts and hats are not allowed, and bags are restricted, so dress modestly and travel light. Opening hours change by season and may be altered without notice for worship events, so check your date and time.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the queues are shorter and the heat is less strong. The cathedral stands in the centre of Seville, close to the Alcázar, so it is easy to combine both in one day. The ticket is valid for one day, with entry at your chosen time slot.