Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(see 5)
Sights
CATEDRAL & GIRALDA
Cathedral
(adult/under 16yr €8/free; 11am-5.30pm Mon-Sat, 2.30-6.30pm Sun Sep-Jun)
After Seville fell to the Christians in 1248 its main mosque was used as a church
until 1401, when it was knocked down to make way for what would become one of
the world's largest cathedrals and an icon of Gothic architecture. The building
wasn't completed until 1507.
CATHEDRAL CHAPELS & STAINED GLASS
The sheer size of the broad, five-naved cathedral is obscured by a welter of interior
decoration typical of Spanish cathedrals. Near the western end of the northern side
is the
Capilla de San Antonio
, with Murillo's large 1666 canvas depicting the vis-
ion of St Anthony of Padua.
COLUMBUS' TOMB
Inside the cathedral's southern door stands the elaborate tomb of Christopher
Columbus, dating from 1902. However, the remains within the tomb are the subject
of heated debate, with some arguing that the explorer is (mainly) buried in the
Dominican Republic.
CAPILLA MAYOR
Towards the east end of the main nave is the Capilla Mayor; its Gothic altarpiece is
the jewel of the cathedral and reckoned to be the biggest altarpiece in the world.
GIRALDA
In the northeastern corner of the cathedral interior you'll find the passage for the
climb up the Giralda. Over 90m high, La Giralda was the minaret of the mosque that
stood on the site before the cathedral; it was constructed in brick by Almohad caliph
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