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Christopher Columbus' tomb | The mystery behind his final resting place

The Tomb of Christopher Columbus at Seville Cathedral

History doesn’t sit still, and neither did Christopher Columbus' bones. The Seville Cathedral claims to house the final resting place of the explorer who changed the world. But so does the Dominican Republic. And both have proof. Sort of.

For centuries, his remains traveled almost as much as he did—Valladolid, Seville, Santo Domingo, Havana, and back to Seville. Somewhere along the way, a second “Columbus” turned up in a lead box. Scientists say they’ve figured it out, but not everyone’s buying it.

What’s in the Seville Cathedral, then? Columbus? Most of him? Part of him? Here’s all you need to know.

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The mystery of Christopher Columbus' tomb

Tomb of Christopher Columbus inside Seville Cathedral, Spain.

Columbus died in Valladolid in 1506. His brother moved him to Seville, but Columbus wanted to rest in the New World. Spain sent his remains to Santo Domingo in 1542.

When Spain lost Santo Domingo in 1795, his body was shipped to Havana. A century later, Spain lost control of Cuba too, and Columbus then came back to Seville in 1898, where he now lies in an ornate tomb inside the cathedral.

Then came the twist. In 1877, workers in Santo Domingo found a lead box labeled: "The illustrious and excellent man, Don Colon." Seville says they have him. Santo Domingo says the same. DNA tests confirm Seville’s claim—but not entirely.

Columbus’ bones, much like his story, remain scattered.

Seville Cathedral History

Where exactly can you find Columbus’ tomb in Seville Cathedral?

  • Christopher Columbus’ tomb sits just inside the grand entrance of the Seville Cathedral. Positioned bang in the middle, it’s impossible to miss. The monument is a massive structure, elevated by four figures representing the historical kingdoms of Spain—Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and León. These figures aren't just decorations; they symbolize the power and authority of the regions central to Columbus’ life and legacy.
  • The tomb stands as a bold statement within the cathedral, reminding visitors of both Columbus’ role in Spain’s maritime empire and the ongoing debates surrounding his final resting place.
  • The monument was installed in 1899—a relatively recent addition to a building that has seen centuries of history. While Columbus’ bones aren’t the only relics in the Seville Cathedral, this particular tomb is by far the most famous and contested.
  • Now, with all the layers of history, this spot has a certain weight to it—a blend of reverence, mystery, and global intrigue. If you’re in Seville, don’t miss the chance to stand before a tomb that’s not just Columbus’, but also a piece of history that's traveled through time and across oceans.
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Other Seville Cathedral highlights you shouldn't miss out on

Seville Cathedral's Capilla Mayor with intricate Gothic altar and golden altarpiece.
Seville Cathedral interior with ornate Gothic arches and intricate stained glass windows.
Seville Cathedral Royal Chapel interior with ornate altar and Gothic architecture.
Treasury artifacts inside the Royal Chapel, Seville Cathedral, Spain.
La Giralda viewed from Alcazar Gardens, Seville, Spain.

Frequently asked questions and answers about the tomb of Christopher Columbus

Well, that’s where the mystery begins! The Seville Cathedral claims to be his final resting place, but so does the Dominican Republic. Columbus’ remains traveled across the world, from Valladolid to Seville, then to Santo Domingo, then to Havana, and finally back to Seville in 1898. DNA tests confirm that at least some of his bones rest in Seville, but Santo Domingo insists they have him too.