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Seville Cathedral : World's Largest Gothic Church & UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Seville Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See or Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Seville, the southern Spanish province of Andalusia in Spain. The largest cathedral in the world is also considered the fourth-largest church as the building occupies over 11,500 square meters of area, with an interesting historical background that dates back to the 11th century.
Seville Cathedral Interesting Facts
Also Known As: Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, Catedral de Santa María de la Sede.
Statistics: UNESCO World Heritage Site; Fourth-Largest Church; Largest Gothic Church; Largest Cathedral
Architectural Type: Roman Catholic Church
Original Architectural Type: Almohad mosque
Year of conversion: 1248
Year Of Completion: 1528
Tombs & Remains: Christopher Columbus and son, Elisabeth of Hohenstaufen, Fernando III, Alfonso X, Pedro I & María Díaz de Padilla.
What Is The Seville Cathedral?
What was once known as the Almohad mosque, was converted into a Roman Catholic church in 1248 due to change in the political scenario in the country. The site was originally known as the Almohad mosque, which was founded in the year 1172 as per the orders of the Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf.
Later, followed by Seville's conquest by Ferdinand III, the mosque was converted into a Christianised mosque and later into a gothic cathedral with few alterations in the structure and orientation to align with the Christian worship practices. The cathedral is one such religious site that holds on to its turbulent history and tells the tale of time with its organic blend of architectural styles and art.
Inside Seville CathedralWhy Is The Seville Cathedral So Famous?
Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest gothic cathedral, and the fourth largest church in the world, the Seville Cathedral is a complex structure that reflects on the turbulent history and the changes in political power on the land of Seville, Spain. The cathedral till this date stands as a symbol of a unique, organic blend of two architectural styles of a distinct ethnicity, as most of original the structures from the mosque were retained and preserved while building the cathedral, including the bell tower - Giralda, with additions being made later on to the structure. The bell tower or La Giralda now stands as the city’s most well-known symbol, with the cathedral’s interior housing the largest nave of any cathedral in Spain.
Where Is The Seville Cathedral Located?
Seville Cathedral is located in the city of Seville, the southern Spanish province of Andalusia in Spain, occupying an area of approximately 11,500 square meters.
With Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain, as its address, Spain has a well laid out network on transport services and public transport system, thanks to which you can easily reach Seville Cathedral from anywhere in the city by using the subway, bus, or trains.
Plan Your Visit To Seville CathedralWho Built The Seville Cathedral?
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See or Seville Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral built by converting a mosque originally built on the site. The Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf ordered the construction of the Almohad mosque in 1172, after which it saw several additions and expansion works.
But with the conquest of Seville by Ferdinand III, the mosque was converted into a catholic church in 1248, the mosque was converted into a Christianised mosque and had to undergo alterations to align with the Christian worship practices. The mosque was later replaced by a grand cathedral in 1401, with the idea of "Hagamos una Iglesia tan hermosa y tan grandiosa que los que la vieren labrada nos tengan por locos", which loosely translates to "Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will take us for mad".
What To See At The Seville Cathedral?
- The bell tower of Seville Cathedral and the former minaret of the Almohad mosque, La Giralda, is an architectural wonder.
- The Great Chapel has beautiful altarpieces with unique Gothic artworks and wood carvings that depict the life of Christ and the Cathedral’s patron saint.
- The Royal Chapel is a marvelous work of Renaissance architecture housing the iconic crown of the Virgin of the Kings made of 22-carat gold, which holds onto 12,000 precious stones.
- The iconic tomb of Christopher Columbus is a must-visit attraction.
Highlights
Seville Cathedral Design & Architecture
The Seville Cathedral is known for housing the longest nave among all the cathedrals of Spain. With the vast interior extending over 135 meters in length, 100 meters in width, and a height of 40 meters, with a spire soaring up to 105 meters. Even with such an extensive structure, Seville Cathedral’s five-aisled interior, decorated with 75 stained-glass windows from the 16th to the 19th centuries, is considered an architectural wonder for its beauty, sense of harmony, and uniformity.
La Giralda
It previously served as the minaret of the original mosque that stood at the site, resembling the Koutoubia Mosque minaret of Morocco. Later, after the conversion of the mosque into the cathedral, the mineral was repurposed into a bell tower with a height of 105m.
Capilla Mayor
The main chapel showcases the masterpiece of Gothic woodcarving with 30-meter by 20-meter woodcarving which includes over 44 reliefs and 200 figures of saints. The structure is gilded with real gold which stands as testimony to the rich heritage of the cathedral.
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
The tomb of Christopher Columbus was brought to the Seville Cathedral from the Cathedral of Havana in Cuba after the Spanish-American War. The tomb of Christopher Columbus is held aloft by four figures representing the four in terms of Spain during Columbus time.
How to Buy Tickets for Seville Cathedral?
Combo (Save 5%): 24/48-Hour Seville Hop-On Hop-Off + Alcazar + Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tickets
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
Guided Tour
More details
€48.93
Frequently Asked Questions About Seville Cathedral
Q. What is Seville Cathedral?
A. Once known as the Almohad mosque, Seville Cathedral was converted into a Roman Catholic church in 1248 due to change in the political scenario in the country.
Q. Why is the Seville Cathedral so famous?
A. Seville Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that happens to be the largest gothic cathedral and the fourth largest church in the world.
Q. Where is Seville Cathedral located?
A. Seville Cathedral is located in the city of Seville, the southern Spanish province of Andalusia in Spain.
Q. Who built the Seville Cathedral?
A. Originally a mosque built by the Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, Seville Cathedral was a mosque that was converted into a catholic church in 1248 with the conquest of Seville by Ferdinand III.
Q. Why is Seville Cathedral important?
A. Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest gothic cathedral, and the fourth largest church in the world, the Seville Cathedral is a complex structure that reflects on the turbulent history and the changes in political power on the land of Seville, Spain.
Q. Is Seville Cathedral worth visiting?
A. Yes, Seville Cathedral is worth visiting.
Q. Who is buried in the cathedral in Seville Spain?
A. Several important figures like Christopher Columbus and son, Fernando III of Castile, Elisabeth of Hohenstaufen, Alfonso X of Castile, Pedro I of Castile & María Díaz de Padilla are buried in Seville Cathedral.
Q. What are the unique features of Seville Cathedral?
A. La Giralda, Capilla Mayor or the Great Chapel, Royal Capel, Chapter House, Tomb Of Christopher Columbus are some of Seville Cathedral’s interesting and unique features that make it worth visiting.
Q. When was Seville Cathedral built?
Q. Which elements from the mosque are still present in the Seville Cathedral?
A. The cathedral till this date stands as a symbol of a unique organic blend of two architectural styles of a distinct ethnicity, as most of the original structures from the mosque were retained and preserved while building the cathedral, including the bell tower - Giralda.
Q. What is known as Giralda in Seville Cathedral?
A. The bell tower of the Seville Cathedral, which previously served as the minaret to the former mosque is called Giralda.
Q. What is the other name of Seville Cathedral?
A. Seville Cathedral is also called the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See.
Q. When was the construction of the Seville Cathedral completed?
A. Seville Cathedral was completed in the year 1528.