History of Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede), has a rich cultural and architectural history.

As the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the most significant religious buildings globally, its history is a fascinating journey through time.

It showcases the city’s evolution from its Islamic roots to Christian faith and Spanish heritage.

Book Now

Origins and Early History

The site where Seville Cathedral stands today housed a 12th century mosque during the Islamic rule in Spain.

The Almohad rulers built the grand mosque, which was a focal point of Islamic worship and community life in Seville.

One of the most notable features of this mosque was its minaret, which now forms the lower section of the cathedral’s iconic Giralda bell tower.

Ferdinand III of Castile captured Seville from the Moors during the Reconquista in the 13th century, and the mosque was converted into a church.

Despite the change in religious affiliation, the structure retained a few key elements of its Islamic architecture.

The Decision to Build a New Cathedral

By the late 14th century, the original mosque structure was in disrepair, and the leaders of Seville’s Christian community decided to construct a new cathedral.

According to local legend, the leaders declared, “Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will think we are mad.”

With this ambitious vision, the construction of one of the world’s largest cathedrals began, lasting over a century.

Construction of the Gothic Cathedral

Construction of the new cathedral began in 1401 and continued until 1506.

The builders aimed to create a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, surpassing all others in grandeur and scale.

The design included a vast central nave, soaring vaulted ceilings, and numerous chapels adorned with intricate carvings and religious artworks.

Three key elements from the original mosque were incorporated into the new cathedral.

The Giralda, the mosque’s minaret, was transformed into a bell tower, and the Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of Orange Trees) and Puerta del Perdón (Gate of Forgiveness) were preserved, linking the cathedral’s Islamic past with its Christian present.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

Seville Cathedral is renowned for its breathtaking architectural and artistic features.

Retablo Mayor, the main altarpiece, is one of the largest and most elaborate in the world, featuring intricate wood carvings depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Visitors can see a stunning array of stained glass windows, richly decorated chapels, and impressive religious sculptures inside the cathedral.

The Giralda tower, standing at 104 meters (341 feet), remains one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks.

Visitors can ascend the tower via a series of ramps for panoramic views of the city.

The Tomb of Christopher Columbus

One of the most significant historical treasures within Seville Cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

The great explorer’s remains were moved multiple times, and a long-standing debate persisted over whether they rested in Seville or the Dominican Republic.

DNA testing in 2006 confirmed that the remains in Seville are indeed those of Columbus.

His tomb, supported by four statues representing the kingdoms of Spain, is a major attraction for visitors.

Recognition and UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1987, Seville Cathedral, along with the adjacent Alcázar Palace complex and the General Archive of the Indies, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This acknowledgment highlights the cathedral’s outstanding cultural, historical, and architectural importance.