Did you know that Seville Cathedral holds the distinction of being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world!
Or that the construction of the cathedral took over 100 years to complete!
Let’s explore some fascinating facts you would love to know before visiting. Read on.
Construction Spanned Over a Century
The groundbreaking for Seville Cathedral began in the early 1400s, and construction took over 100 years to complete.
The cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque, which was damaged in an earthquake in 1356.
The church authorities aimed to create a spectacular new cathedral. Legend has it that they said, “Let’s construct a church so large that future generations will think we were mad!”
Largest Gothic Cathedral in the World
Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral globally and the third-largest church overall, after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Its vast dimensions and intricate design make it a marvel of Gothic architecture.
- Total Area: 11,520 square meters
- Length: 135 meters
- Width: 76 meters
- Maximum Height in Transept: 42 meters
- Clock Tower Height: 104.5 meters
Final Resting Place of Christopher Columbus
The remains of the great explorer Christopher Columbus lie in the Seville Cathedral.
His bones were moved many times, leading to debates over whether they were in the Dominican Republic or Seville.
DNA testing in 2006 matched the bones believed to be Columbus’s, strongly suggesting that he was indeed interred in the cathedral.
Giralda’s Journey from a Mosque to a Bell Tower
The Giralda, originally built as a minaret for the mosque, is now the cathedral’s bell tower.
It stands 104 meters (341 feet) tall and features 35 ramps that visitors can climb for breathtaking views of Seville.
The tower has ramps instead of stairs so guards could ascend on horseback.
The Cathedral has Elements of the Mosque
The cathedral stands on the site of a former mosque built by the Almohad rulers.
Though the mosque was destroyed in an earthquake in 1356, three elements remain:
- The Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of Orange Trees),
- The Puerta del Perdón (one of the cathedral entrances),
- And the lower part of the Giralda, originally a minaret.
A Lizard Resides in the Seville Cathedral
The famous “lizard of Seville” was a gift from the Sultan of Egypt to King Alfonso X in the 1260s.
The original stuffed animal has been replaced with a wooden replica hanging over the Courtyard of Orange Trees doorway, now called the Lizard Doorway.
Europe’s Oldest Gardens
Patio de los Naranjos, dating back to the 8th century, are Europe’s oldest gardens.
It originally featured plants like pomegranate, cypress, and palm trees.
Today, it contains 98 orange trees planted in rows and a large central fountain.
These bitter oranges (Citrus aurantium) are used for perfumes, jams, and medicines. The ‘Seville Orange Marmalade’ is world famous!
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1987, Seville Cathedral, the Royal Alcázar, and the Archivo de Indias were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The declaration states that these buildings form a remarkable monumental complex in Seville, showcasing both Moorish and Christian influences.
Combine Your Visit
Take advantage of the Cathedral and Alcázar combo tour to explore both sites with an expert guide, enhancing your understanding of Seville’s rich history.
Music Marvels: Meet the World’s Best Organists
The Seville Cathedral organ is the largest in Spain, spanning two floors. It has over 7,000 pipes and can fill the cathedral with beautiful music.
The organ was built in the 18th century and has been restored several times.
The cathedral hosts regular concerts and recitals featuring some of the world’s best organists.
These concerts are an excellent opportunity to hear the organ in action, and they will impress even the most discerning listener.
Contents
Decode Tales from the Stained Glass Windows
The Seville Cathedral’s stained glass windows are colorful and vibrant and glow as sunlight passes.
The detailed images tell inspiring stories about the history of Seville and tales from the Bible.
These windows were created by some of the greatest artists of the 17th century, including Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Francisco de Zurbarán.
In conclusion, Seville Cathedral is not just a religious site but a historical and architectural wonder.
Its vast size, intricate details, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Seville.
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Featured Image: Catedraldesevilla.es
