🌟Seville Cathedral promises to be a historic visit that will consolidate the city as a first-class cultural and spiritual reference point.
📅 When and where can you visit Seville Cathedral?
Seville Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, is located in the heart of the city on Avenida de la Constitución, and is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Its history can be explored all year round: Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
🏛️Who built Seville Cathedral and what styles does it house?
Construction of the current Gothic Seville Cathedral began in 1433 and lasted until 1507. It was the great construction project of the 15th century in Spain. Promoted by the Cathedral Chapter, its design is attributed to a succession of masters, among whom the Frenchman Carles Galtés de Rouen (known as Master Carlin) and later Alonso Martínez and Juan Norman stand out.
Legend has it that the canons, when planning it, said: "Let us build a temple so grand that those who see it finished will think us mad".
The building is a fascinating fusion of styles, as it was built on the site of the old 12th-century Almohad mosque. Therefore, its architecture is a mix of late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, preserving valuable vestiges of its Islamic past.
📜 A brief history of Seville Cathedral: the legend of its origins
The history of Seville Cathedral is a journey of more than eight centuries.
- The Great Mosque (1172-1248): In 1172, the Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf ordered the construction of a great mosque on the site now occupied by the Cathedral. Its works were completed in 1182. From that majestic construction, today we have the Giralda (the old minaret), the Patio de los Naranjos (courtyard of ablutions) and the Puerta del Perdón.
- The Christian Cathedral (1248-1401): In 1248, King Ferdinand III of Castile conquered Seville and consecrated the mosque as a Christian cathedral, dedicating it to Saint Mary of the See. The king was buried in the Royal Chapel that he himself ordered to be built.
- The Great Gothic Temple (from 1401): At the end of the 14th century, the building, damaged by an earthquake in 1356, was considered insufficient. It was then, in 1401, when the Chapter decided to build a new and grandiose Gothic cathedral on the site of the mosque, giving rise to the monument we admire today.
🌟 What does Seville Cathedral represent for Seville and the people of Seville?
For Seville, Seville Cathedral is much more than a monument. It represents:
- The soul of the city: It is the spiritual heart and the most universal symbol of Seville, recognisable for its imposing silhouette and, above all, for its Giralda.
- A showcase of excellence: In 1987, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, forming an exceptional ensemble together with the Royal Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias. In 2010 it was recognised as an Outstanding Universal Value.
- A world pride: It appears in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. With its 11,520 square metres of surface area, it is also the third largest church on the planet, surpassed only by St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
🗺️What can you visit inside Seville Cathedral?
The interior of Seville Cathedral is a museum of art and history in itself, with jewels such as:
- The Main Altarpiece: Considered one of the largest in the world, a masterpiece of Gothic art.
- The tomb of Christopher Columbus: An imposing mausoleum that holds the remains of the admiral, the work of Arturo Mélida.
- The Royal Chapel: Where the remains of Ferdinand III, his wife Beatrice of Swabia and his son Alfonso X the Wise rest.
- The Giralda: The old Almohad minaret, built between 1184 and 1198, which became the Christian bell tower. It was crowned in the 16th century with the Giraldillo, a bronze statue that symbolises Faith and acts as a weather vane.
- The Patio de los Naranjos: A peaceful haven that was the courtyard of ablutions of the mosque, presided over by a fountain of Visigothic origin.
⚡ Curiosities that will surprise you
- It "breathes" to the rhythm of the sun: Due to its enormous size and for safety reasons, its vaults expand with the heat of the day and contract at night, rising and falling up to 3 centimetres daily.
- Right of asylum: The chains surrounding the building marked the limits where criminals could take refuge in "withdrawal" or the right of asylum against civil justice.
- A shopping centre in the 15th century: The steps of the Cathedral were a bustling space where all kinds of businesses were set up, from shoemakers to slave traders.
🏡Where to stay to visit Seville Cathedral?
THE SUN PLACES: Your Luxury Refuge in the Heart of the City
At THE SUN PLACES, we know that visiting Seville Cathedral is a unique experience that deserves accommodation to match. That is why we offer you our Luxury Apartments in Seville, the perfect refuge to enjoy this historic monument with maximum comfort and elegance.
🌟Why stay with THE SUN PLACES to visit Seville Cathedral?
- Strategic Location: Our apartments are located in the historic centre, in emblematic neighbourhoods such as Santa Cruz, El Arenal or Triana, just a short walk from the Cathedral and the Giralda. Imagine having a quiet breakfast and wandering through its streets until you reach this colossus of art.
- Absolute Comfort: After a day exploring its naves, climbing the Giralda and admiring its treasures, you need a place to rest. Enjoy spacious areas, equipped kitchens, high-quality beds and private terraces to relax.
- The Perfect Refuge: The Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in the world. You need a quiet and elegant place to retire after the day's tour. We offer it to you.
- Personalised Attention and Tickets: We want your experience to be unforgettable. That is why we help you with ticket purchases and the organisation of guided tours so you don't waste time in queues and make the most of your time in Seville.
"Seville Cathedral is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in more than 800 years of history. At THE SUN PLACES, we open the doors of our city for you to experience this unique moment with the luxury and comfort you deserve."
📞 Contact THE SUN PLACES
Book your luxury apartment in Seville now to visit Seville Cathedral like never before. We also have Luxury Accommodation in Cádiz and Sanlúcar de Barrameda if you want to extend your experience.
History, art and the city await you. We look forward to seeing you at THE SUN PLACES!