La Giralda stands as the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, situated in Seville, Spain.
It was designed as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville in Andalusia.
This iconic structure was honored with UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987.
With a height of 97.5 meters, La Giralda is the world’s tallest tower and is the city’s most visited attraction.
After visiting the Royal Alcazar of Seville, this is one of the best spots to tour.
This article will cover the opening hours, how to reach, La Giralda Tower Highlights, etc.
Royal Alcazar of Seville
Schedule a Visit
Practical Information About Giralda Tower
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 10.45 am – 5 pm
Sundays: 2.30 pm – 6 pm
Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Best Time to Visit: 4 pm to 5 pm
La Giralda Ticket Price: €16
Location: Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain | Get Directions
Must-see at La Giralda
- Panoramic views from the top
- Architectural details on the exterior
- Stained-glass windows in Seville Cathedral
Why Should You Visit La Giralda Tower, Seville
The Giralda is one of the most iconic sights in the beautiful city of Seville.
This Moorish-style tower stands just over 104 meters (341 feet) tall and was originally built as a minaret in the 1100s when Seville was under Muslim rule.
When the Christians took back Seville in the 12th century, the tower became the bell tower for the Seville Cathedral.
Visitors can climb the 34 ramps inside the tower for stunning views across Seville from the very top.
The ramps rather than stairs enabled the muezzin to ride a horse to the top to issue the call to prayer in the old days.
The brickwork on the tower is exquisite and features colorful decorative tiles and delicate stonework carved into intricate patterns.
One of the highlights visitors can see inside the tower is a room with crossing arches, which reflects the blending of Islamic and Gothic architecture.
Right at the top of the balcony is where you can take in views of the reddish rooftops of Seville interspersed with orange trees.
On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Spanish countryside for miles around.
The bells hanging in the tower add to the medieval ambiance.
With an enchanting history and architecture, the Giralda Tower offers an insight into Seville’s past and spectacular panoramas across this charming city.
Giralda Tower Tickets
All visitors need to purchase tickets to explore the Giralda Tower.
You can get entry to Giralda Tower with the Seville Cathedral entry ticket.
The ticket costs €16 for all visitors between 14 and 64 years.
Students under 25 years and senior citizens above 65 years get discounted admission for €11.
Children below 13 years get free entry to Giralda Tower.
Most visitors choose guided tours of Alcazar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower.
With this ticket, you can get a guided skip the line entry to Alcazar and Seville Cathedral.
After the tour, you can climb the Giralda Tower and enjoy scenic views of the city.
The Seville Alcazar, Cathedral and Giralda Tower Guided tour costs €54 for visitors over 13 years.
Children between three and 12 years of age pay €19 for this tour.
Infants can get free admission.
Here are some of the best tickets to explore Giralda Tower:
- Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower entry ticket
- Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower guided tour
- Seville Cathedral rooftop tour
- Seville Alcazar, Cathedral and Giralda Tower guided tour
- Seville Pass
Giralda Tower Opening Hours
The opening hours of Giralda Tower change based on the season.
From September to June, the Giralda Tower opens at 11 am on Weekdays.
On Mondays, it closes at 3.30 pm.
From Tuesdays to Saturdays, the Giralda Tower closes at 5 pm.
On Sunday, the tower is open from 2.30 pm to 6 pm.
Between July and August, the opening hours change to 9.30 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 2.30 pm to 6 pm on Sundays.
The last access to the Cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower is one hour before the closing time.
You can get free entry to the Cathedral and Giralda on selected weekdays between 2 pm and 3 pm.
It has a limited daily capacity and it is exclusive of holidays.
The estimated duration for this enriching experience is approximately 75 minutes.
Here are the opening hours of Giralda Tower:
| Months | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| September to June | Monday | 11 am to 3.30 pm |
| Tuesday to Saturday | 11 am to 5 pm | |
| Sunday | 2.30 pm to 6 pm | |
| July to August | Monday | 9.30 am to 3.30 pm |
| Tuesday to Saturday | 9.30 am to 4 pm | |
| Sunday | 2.30 pm to 6 pm |
Best Time To Visit Giralda Tower
We recommend you visit the Giralda Tower during the initial opening hours.
When you visit early, you can enjoy the tower with less crowd and have a private experience.
If you wish to enjoy the sunset, visit after 4 pm.
It is better to visit on weekdays, between Tuesdays and Fridays, as weekends attract large crowds.
Since the tower closes early on Mondays, you might not get enough time to enjoy the tower without crowds.
The best times to visit the Giralda Tower are in spring (March and April) and autumn (October to November)
Spring is lovely with mild weather and Seville is in full bloom.
The gardens around the tower look beautiful and you can enjoy stunning city views from the top.
The tower has extended hours daily during this season, so you can make the most of it.
Autumn is another great time to visit, especially with the Seville Fair in October.
The cooler temperatures make climbing the tower more enjoyable, with magnificent city views.
From October to March, the tower is open daily, offering a chance to experience the charm of Seville.
For an ideal visit to La Giralda, consider spring or autumn.
Enjoy the pleasant weather, fewer crowds and the beauty of this historic tower.
How To Reach Giralda Tower
The Giralda Tower lies next to the Seville Cathedral in the city center.
It attracts visitors from all parts of the city.
Its impressive stature stands out and it is a popular destination.
Address: Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain | Get Directions
Here are the different ways to reach the Giralda Tower
By Bus
Hop on buses like C4, C3, 5, 41, 42, C1, or C2 and get off at Jardines de Cristina.
By Metro
Take Line 1 and disembark at Puerta de Jerez station.
By Car
If you’re driving, use the A66 north to A92 south or the A4 west and east.
History Of The Giralda Tower
Initially conceived as the minaret of a mosque, La Giralda was used to call people to prayer.
Today, its bells resonate with the call to Catholic mass, marking a shift in religious control.
Originating in the 13th century, Seville was under the rule of the Almohades, African Muslims supporting their Taifas brethren.
La Giralda’s construction during this period utilized sturdy materials.
It included stones, spherical decorations and Roman tombstones devoid of images.
The Catholic Reconquest led by Fernando III in 1248 marked a transformative era.
Seeking to assert Catholic dominance, the conquerors repurposed La Giralda, dismantling and incorporating it into their structures.
The 14th century witnessed further changes as Catholics added layers around the church.
It reflects Muslim influence, Catholic Reconquest, inquisition and Renaissance transformation.
What To Do At La Giralda Tower
Here’s how you can spend your time at the Giralda Tower:
Tower Climb
Enjoy the journey to Seville’s La Giralda tower, where ramps make the climb delightful and accessible.
This unique ascent eases the journey and allows visitors to relish the spectacular views at the summit.
Patio de los Naranjos
Step into the serene Patio de los Naranjos at La Giralda, a charming courtyard adorned with orange trees.
Dating back to 784, this courtyard, established alongside the Great Mosque, stands as Europe’s oldest “living” garden.
Main Altar
While visiting Giralda Tower, also pay a visit to Seville Cathedral.
The Main Altar, also known as Retablo Mayor, contains intricate details and is a must-see.
Depicting the life of Jesus Christ, this altarpiece is a masterpiece adorned with gold and religious sculptures.
Tomb of Columbus
Explore the Tomb of Columbus, a solemn site within Seville Cathedral that houses the remains of Christopher Columbus.
You can step into a historical realm and pay homage to the renowned explorer whose daring voyages have left an indelible mark on the world.
Facts About Giralda Bell Tower, Seville
Here are some facts about the Giralda Tower:
- Giralda stands at a towering height of 104 meters (341 feet), surpassing iconic structures like London’s Big Ben and the Tower of Pisa.
- The weathervane atop Giralda Bell Tower, crafted in 1568, was once the largest bronze sculpture in Europe during the Renaissance.
- Giralda’s design, especially its minaret, drew inspiration from Marrakech’s Koutoubia Mosque, a renowned 12th-century architectural masterpiece in Morocco.
- Giralda Bell Tower is the bell tower for the Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede in Seville, which boasts 24 bells, including the prominent Santa Maria Mayor, programmable electronically for modern convenience.
- The tower features a Latin inscription, “Turris fortissima nomen DNI Proverb. 18,” translating to “The strongest tower is the Name of the Lord,” with historical references to a proverb emphasizing safety for the righteous.
- La Giralda’s distinctive fusion of Islamic and Christian architectural styles earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It symbolizes the Christian Reconquista, signifying the reclaiming of Spain from Muslim rule.
- Towering at 104 meters (341 feet), La Giralda held the title of the city’s tallest structure for over 800 years, leaving an indelible mark on the skyline.
- The Giraldillo statue, functioning as a weather vane, is believed to predict rain when pointing to the east.
- Constructed with brick, La Giralda’s minaret boasts a spiral staircase featuring 35 ramps leading to its summit.
- La Giralda finds literary mention in Don Quijote’s Seville chapters, associating it with the image of a “giant woman.”
Giralda Tower – FAQs
1. Are there restroom facilities at La Giralda?
Yes, La Giralda provides restroom facilities for visitors’ convenience.
2. Is there a specific dress code for La Giralda?
No, there is no strict dress code for La Giralda.
However, it’s advisable to dress respectfully, especially if you plan to visit other religious sites nearby.
Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended, especially if you intend to explore and climb the tower.
3. How tall is La Giralda?
La Giralda stands impressively at 104 meters (341 feet), making it a striking architectural marvel that dominates the Seville skyline.
4. Is there an age limit for climbing to the top of La Giralda?
There is no specific age limit for climbing La Giralda.
Still, visitors should be in good health as the ascent involves ramps.
5. Is photography allowed inside La Giralda?
Generally, photography is allowed inside La Giralda, but commercial photography and the use of tripods are usually restricted.
6. Are there any special events or ceremonies held at La Giralda?
La Giralda may host special events or ceremonies, especially considering its historical and cultural significance. Checking the schedule is advisable.
Featured Image: Pel_1971 / Getty Images Pro