Seville Cathedral is not only beautiful but also very magnificent. It is 135 meters (443 feet) in length and 100 meters (330 feet) wide, making it one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
Its height is 42 meters (138 ft) in the transept, creating a vast interior space. These dimensions make Seville Cathedral a true architectural marvel.
History buffs enjoy visiting Seville Cathedral as it has a treasure of unforgettable things to see inside. Let’s explore them one by one:
Start With the Ornate Doors and Entrances
Your exploration of Seville Cathedral begins not just with any entrance but with the beautiful doors and entrances that speak of the Cathedral’s past.
The Seville Cathedral has a total of 15 doors, out of which there are four functional main entrances:
- Puerta del Lagarto (Lizard Door)—This is one of the main entrances to the Cathedral, located in the Patio de los Naranjos. Visitors with online tickets and skip-the-line tickets can enter the cathedral through this door.
- Puerta del PrÃncipe (Prince’s Door)—This is another significant entrance to the attraction, located on the south transept of Seville Cathedral, which houses the ticket office.
- Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness)—This entrance was originally the main entrance to the Almohad mosque, but today, it serves as the visitor’s entrance to the Seville Cathedral complex.
- Puerta de la Concepción (Conception Door)—This richly decorated neo-Gothic door on the north façade of Seville Cathedral opens onto the Patio de los Naranjos. It is typically closed to visitors except on festive days.
In addition to these grand entrances, there are three grand facade doors that capture visitors’ attention and enhance the beauty of the cathedral. - The Puerta de la Asunción, the main entrance facing Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, showcases a Plateresque style with a relief of the Virgin Mary’s Assumption.
- Flanking the main altar, the Puerta de Campanillas and Puerta de Palos, identical in their ornate Plateresque design, stand near the Royal Chapel.
- Additionally, the smaller Gothic-style doors, Puerta del Bautismo and Puerta de la Natividad represent significant moments in Jesus’ life, namely his baptism and birth.
The Main Hall (Nave)
The main hall, or nave, of Seville Cathedral, is located at the heart of the building, extending from the main entrance to the altar.
This vast space measures 135 meters in length and 42 meters in height at the central transept, showcasing impressive Gothic arches and detailed ribbed vaults.
Visitors can admire the grandeur of the architecture, highlighted by the light filtering through the magnificent stained glass windows.
The nave houses notable features such as the grand organ and the intricately carved wooden choir stalls.
The area expresses the cathedral’s creative and architectural worth, providing awe-inspiring views for those who visit.
Fun Fact!
Seville Cathedral displays 138 stunning stained glass windows, making it one of the most extensive and best-preserved collections in Spanish cathedrals!
These windows, dating from the 15th to the 20th century, include 17 Gothic masterpieces by Alsatian artist Enrique Alemán.
As you explore, remember to look up and admire these colorful slices of history!
Side Chapels
The Seville Cathedral has 80 side chapels, each a unique masterpiece. The chapels house a wealth of artistic treasures, including paintings by renowned Spanish artists and intricate sculptures.
From grand spaces to intimate settings, these chapels offer a glimpse into the historical significance of pilgrimage and the devotion of Seville’s Catholic community, making them a must-see inside the cathedral.
Here are some of the most famous ones you shouldn’t miss:
Capilla Real (Royal Chapel)
This is arguably the most famous chapel within the cathedral. It houses the tombs of King Ferdinand III of Castile, his son King Alfonso X of Castile, and other Castilian royalty. The elaborate Renaissance architecture, featuring gilded details and sculptures, creates a sense of awe.
Capilla de Santiago (Saint James Chapel)
This is arguably the most famous chapel within the cathedral. It houses the tombs of King Ferdinand III of Castile, his son King Alfonso X of Castile, and other Castilian royalty. The elaborate Renaissance architecture, featuring gilded details and sculptures, creates a sense of awe.
Capilla del Mariscal (Marshal’s Chapel)
This is arguably the most famous chapel within the cathedral. It houses the tombs of King Ferdinand III of Castile, his son King Alfonso X of Castile, and other Castilian royalty. The elaborate Renaissance architecture, featuring gilded details and sculptures, creates a sense of awe.
Capilla de los Alabastros (Alabaster Chapel)
This chapel lives up to its name. Its walls are adorned with beautiful alabaster panels depicting religious scenes. The intricate carvings and the soft glow of alabaster create a serene atmosphere.
Capilla de la Virgen de la Antigua (Chapel of the Virgin of the Ancient)
This chapel holds a special significance for Seville’s residents. It houses a revered wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to be one of the oldest in the city.
Organ
The organ inside Seville Cathedral is situated prominently in the choir area, adding to the majestic ambiance of the sacred space.
It is a remarkable instrument known for its intricate design and powerful sound.
Visitors can marvel at its elaborate pipes and ornate carvings, which contribute to the cathedral’s interior’s visual splendor.
The organ’s melodious tones fill the vast hall during religious services and concerts, enhancing the spiritual experience for worshippers and visitors alike.
With its rich history and impressive craftsmanship, the organ is a cherished centerpiece within Seville Cathedral.
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
Located inside Seville Cathedral, the Tomb of Christopher Columbus is a prominent visitor attraction.
Situated in the cathedral’s central nave, the tomb is an imposing structure supported by four heralds representing the Spanish kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre.
Crafted from Carrara marble, the tomb features intricate detailing, including images of Columbus’s voyages and scenes from the New World.
Visitors can observe the ornate casket atop the tomb, purportedly containing the remains of the renowned explorer.
Surrounding the tomb, visitors can also admire the breathtaking beauty of the cathedral’s architecture and the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this historic site.
Choir and Retrochoir
Located in the heart of Seville Cathedral, the Choir and Retrochoir are integral parts of the cathedral’s interior.
The Choir, situated in the central nave near the main altar, features intricately carved wooden stalls adorned with ornate carvings depicting scenes from the Bible and saints.
Visitors can marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of these stalls, which date back to the 15th century.
Adjacent to the Choir, the Retrochoir houses the breathtaking Capilla Mayor, or Royal Chapel, showcasing a stunning altarpiece and tomb of Christopher Columbus.
This area offers a serene and contemplative space for visitors to admire Seville Cathedral’s rich artistic heritage and religious significance.
Giralda Tower
Inside the Giralda Tower, you’ll find a unique ramp system instead of stairs, designed initially for the muezzin to ride a horse to the top.
The ramp winds up through the tower, with small windows offering views of Seville.
The interior is simple and functional, focusing on the structure’s solidity.
As you reach higher levels, the ramp may narrow to passageways or stairs, leading to the Renaissance belfry with cathedral bells and decorative details.
At the top, the El Giraldillo weathervane statue offers panoramic city views.
The journey inside the Giralda is a memorable experience, revealing Seville gradually as you ascend.
Read more about Giralda Tower in detail.
Visitors need an entry ticket to enter the Giralda Tower. They can either buy it online or at the ticket office.
Main Sacristy and the Cathedral Museum
The Sacristy, or SacristÃa Mayor, is a must-see in Seville Cathedral, located on the south side and accessed from the main space.
This Renaissance-style room is an architectural marvel, featuring a domed ceiling and intricate entrance.
Inside, you’ll find a stunning collection of religious art and artifacts, including:
- Ornate monstrances and reliquaries made of gold, silver, and jewels.
- Paintings of religious scenes and portraits by famous artists.
- Richly embroidered liturgical vestments.
- Historical documents and manuscripts.
The Sacristy also houses the Cathedral Museum, showcasing sculptures, gold and silver items, tapestries, and paintings from different periods, offering a deeper look into Seville’s artistic and historical heritage.
Visiting the Sacristy and Museum enriches your cathedral experience, revealing the treasures used in religious ceremonies and the rich history of Seville.
Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard)
The Patio de los Naranjos is a tranquil courtyard in Seville Cathedral, named for its fragrant orange trees.
Once part of the Great Mosque of Seville, it retains elements like a central fountain from the mosque era.
This peaceful space contrasts with the cathedral’s grandeur, offering a serene atmosphere with the scent of orange blossoms and the sound of water.
Historically, as a meeting place, it remains a popular spot for relaxation and reflection.
The Patio de los Naranjos serves as a gateway to the cathedral and connects visitors to Seville’s rich Islamic heritage.
Click here to get more information about Patio de los Naranjos.
Chapter House
The Chapter House inside Seville Cathedral is adjacent to the Main Chapel, offering visitors a glimpse into the administrative and decision-making hub of the cathedral’s clergy.
This intimate space is adorned with beautiful decorative elements, including intricate carvings and ornate ceilings, showcasing the craftsmanship of the artisans of the time.
Visitors can admire the Chapter House’s historical significance while appreciating its architectural beauty, providing a unique insight into the cathedral’s rich heritage.
Also, see things to do near Seville Cathedral to make your visit even more memorable.
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