Seville Cathedral – Spain
Visit The Seville Cathedral in Spain
Also known as Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, this wonderful cathedral is the largest cathedral in the world of the gothic style and a popular UNESCO World Heritage site.
It took just over 100 years to build and when it was finished it became the largest cathedral in the world. It is even bigger than the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul which held the title of “Largest Cathedral in the World” for 1000 years. The cathedral has more than 124,000 square feet.
When you visit the Seville Cathedral you’ll notice the Giralda Bell Tower. Originally it was a minaret and you can see the moorish designs. In the 16th century, the top was added which includes the statue symbolizing faith. Climb the ramp inside to the top (343 feet climb) for a fantastic view. Why a ramp instead of stairs? Once upon a time, you got to the top on horseback!
The most famous reason to see the Seville Cathedral is Christopher Columbus’ tomb. His tomb is carried by 4 noblemen – one from the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon and Navarra.
CLICK HERE for more information on Christopher Columbus’ tomb.
Christopher Columbus Fun Facts
- Columbus was not the first European to cross the ocean. Instead a viking landed in Newfoundland almost 500 years before Columbus even set sail. It is possible that Saint Bernard of Ireland crossed the Atlantic before that.
- Columbus had trouble funding his trip to look for a western sea route to Asia. He asked Portugal, France, and England and was told no. Finally, Queen Isabella of Spain said she would give him the money for his quest.
- Christopher Columbus did have three ships for his voyage but they weren’t named the Nina (probably named Santa Clara), Pinta, and Santa Maria. Ships were named after saints, but even the Santa Maria ship had a nickname.
- Christopher Columbus made 4 voyages to the New World, sailing the ocean blue in 1492, 1493, 1498, and 1503. None of the voyages were to the mainland of North America.
- The heirs of Columbus were an argumentative group and fought the government over his will for 300 years.
- Christopher Columbus went by a lot of names: Cristoforo Colombo, Cristobal Colon, Christofferus de Colombo and Xpoual de Colon. No one is sure of his original name but most guess Cristofor Colombo to be his real name.
Another fun thing to look for at the Seville Cathedral is the stuffed crocodile, El Largarto, which hangs from the ceiling in a corner of the  Courtyard of the Oranges – under the ceiling of a walkway. It was a gift to King Alfonso X from the Sultan of Egypt when he asked to marry Princess Berenguela. The marriage did not take place but the crocodile stayed. When it died, the skin was stretched over a wooden model of the crocodile. Now the door nearby is called the Gate of the Lizard.
Perhaps the crocodile was kept because it is an unusual item. Perhaps it is still here because the Eygyptian crocodile god helps keep evil forces away.
The altarpiece in the Capilla Mayor (Great Chapel) is covered in gold. Gold brought back from the Americas. This altarpiece, created by Pieter Dancart, is the largest and richest altarpiece in the world. Take a few moments to admire the sheer size and detail in the decoration. Done in the gothic style, like the cathedral itself, you’ll find 45 scenes of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
Visit the treasury to see the Crown of the Virgin of the Kings (Virgen de los Reyes) which is made of 22 carat gold and has almost 12,000 precious stones! The center angel is carved from a single white pearl.
CLICK HERE to Read About the Fantastic Food in Spain like Paella and Tapas
The Seville Cathedral has 15 doors and each one has a unique carving.
Door of Baptism
Door of Assumption
Door of Saint Michael
Door of Saint Cristopher
Door of the Conception
Door of the Lizard
Door of Forgiveness
Door of Sticks
Door of the Bells
Door of the Prince
Door of Palos
Seville Cathedral – Information for Visit
Address: Plaza Virgen de los Reyes
Tickets:
General – 8 euros
Seniors and Students under 26 – 3 euros
Children under 16, Disabled, Unemployed – FREE
FREE admission with the Sevilla Card – which also lets you skip the line!
Hours:
Winter Hours – September to June
Monday 11 – 15:30
Tuesday – Saturday 11 – 17:00
Sunday 14:30 – 18:30 (Mass Sunday Mornings)
Summer Hours – July and August
Monday 11 – 15:30
Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 – 16:30
Sunday 14:30 – 18:30 (Mass Sunday Mornings)
SKIP THE TICKET LINES!
To skip the lines at the Seville Cathedral, go the the nearby Church of El Salvador and buy a combination ticket. Then, go to the Seville Cathedral and walk past the line right up to the entrance with your ticket.
Church of El Salvador Information:
Address: Advenida de la Constitution, Plaza del Salvador
Hours: Monday 11 – 15:3
Tuesday – Saturday 11 – 17:00
Sunday 14:30 – 18:00
Ticket: 9 euros
We loved Seville and you will, too! Spain is warm and welcoming for families and kids.
CLICK HERE Â to Read About the Wonderful Dance Style Flamenco
Enjoy all that Spain has to offer! If you take the kids you’ll love the kids’ travel guide to Spain!
CLICK HERE – Kids Travel Activity Guide to Spain
Happy Travels,
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
Fascinating! I didn’t know that! Learning so much from The Educational Tourist!
The kids really enjoyed the mystery of the 4 noblemen!
NatalieTanner, thanks so much for the post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.