Seville Cathedral attracts over two million visitors annually, with most visitors calling it a must-see attraction in Seville.
It is a breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic architecture, filled with awe-inspiring details.
Every corner of the cathedral tells a story of history, faith, and artistry, making it one of Spain’s most memorable stops.
Here’s a detailed guide on everything you must see inside the Seville Cathedral.
Seville Cathedral in numbers
Seville Cathedral doesn’t just have an impressive history, its scale is also massive.
Here are some numbers that reveal the remarkable scale, intricate design, and rich heritage of this architectural masterpiece
| Feature | Number |
| Chapels | 80 |
| Facades | 4 |
| Doors | 15 |
| Organs | 2 |
| Tombs | Multiple |
| Altarpieces | 1 major (High Altar) |
| Stained Glass Windows | 81 |
| Bells | 24 |
Can you go inside Seville Cathedral?
Yes, you can go inside Seville Cathedral. You just need to buy a ticket and show your ticket at the entrance. The tickets are available online as well as onsite, but we recommend buying tickets online in advance to save yourself from last-minute hassles. You can either self-explore or take a guided tour.
What to see inside Seville Cathedral?
With so much to explore, it’s essential to know the highlights of Seville Cathedral to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Main Altarpiece
The Main Altarpiece is the grand centerpiece of Seville Cathedral, located in the Main Chapel. It is the largest wooden altarpiece in the world, with 44 detailed reliefs and over 200 statues of saints. Created by Flemish and Spanish sculptors over nearly a century, it depicts scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The breathtaking Gothic Calvary at the top and the Virgin of the See sculpture make it unforgettable.
Location: Main Chapel
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
The tomb of Christopher Columbus is a significant highlight inside Seville Cathedral. It features a grand monument where four allegorical figures, representing the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragón, and Navarre, bear his coffin. Designed by Arturo Mélida in 1891, this intricate structure symbolizes Columbus’s enduring legacy. The tomb is a tribute to his voyages and contributions to world history, making it an essential stop for visitors exploring the Cathedral.
Location: Near the Main Chapel
The Giralda
The Giralda is a striking bell tower with a unique mix of Islamic and Renaissance styles. Originally an Almohad minaret, it features a square base, intricate arches, and ramps wide enough for horseback access. Its vertical stripes and rhombus-like wall arches add elegance. At the top, a Renaissance addition holds the Giraldillo, a four-meter bronze statue symbolizing “victorious faith.” Giralda Tower offers breathtaking views of Seville from its summit.
Location: Bell Tower
Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel is a grand square space at the Cathedral’s head, topped by a magnificent dome. It houses the tombs of Alfonso X the Wise and other Spanish royalty. The chapel’s highlight is the 13th-century Gothic statue of the Virgin of the Kings, placed under a silver canopy. Visitors can also see beautiful stained glass windows, an impressive gate, and a collection of royal treasures, including precious metalwork.
Location: Head of the Cathedral
Choir Stalls
The choir stalls, found near the Main Chapel, are a masterpiece of Gothic-Mudejar design. With 117 carved wooden seats, they showcase intricate scenes from the Bible and allegorical depictions of vices. The King’s chair, adorned with shields of Castile and León, dates back to 1478. A striking Renaissance lectern and a majestic double-pipe organ add to the harmony and beauty of this section.
Location: Near the Main Chapel
Gate of the Assumption (Puerta de la Asunción)
The Gate of the Assumption is the most prominent doorway on the Cathedral’s west façade. Completed in 1833, it features an impressive tympanum relief of the Virgin Mary’s Assumption. Sculpted by Ricardo Bellver, the doorway is adorned with statues of saints. Its grand proportions and Gothic design make it a remarkable entrance.
Location: West Façade
Gate of Forgiveness (Puerta del Perdón)
The Gate of Forgiveness is an original element from the mosque that once stood here. Its horseshoe arch and Plateresque plasterwork reflect its Moorish origins. Above the arch is a sculptural group depicting the Expulsion of the Merchants, created in 1520. It also features baked clay statues of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and the Virgin, making it a unique blend of styles.
Location: North Façade
Gate of the Conception (Puerta de la Concepción)
Located on the north side, the Gate of the Conception leads to the courtyard of orange trees. Completed in 1887, this doorway seamlessly matches the Gothic style of the Cathedral. Its façade features a depiction of Jesus as a priest with his apostles. Despite being added later, it harmonizes beautifully with the building’s historic architecture.
Location: North Side
Gate of the Bells
The Gate of the Bells is on the Cathedral’s left side, near the Royal Chapel. Its tympanum depicts Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, a detailed scene crafted in baked clay around 1520. The door is named after the bells that once called workers during the Cathedral’s construction. The Renaissance sculptures here add a timeless charm.
Location: Left Side
St. Michael’s Gate (Door of the Nativity)
St. Michael’s Gate is a doorway on the right of the main façade, showcasing scenes of the Birth of Christ. Sculpted by Lorenzo Mercadante of Brittany, it features statues of the four Evangelists and saints on its jambs. The intricate figures in the archivolts, created by Pedro Millán, make this doorway truly fascinating.
Location: Right Side
Prince’s Gate (Puerta del Príncipe)
Prince’s Gate, on the south side of the cathedral, is the entrance for onsite ticket buyers. Although built in a later period, the architect Fernández Casanova designed it to align with the Gothic style of the Cathedral. Flanked by two large 16th-century pillars, it is a harmonious addition that respects the Cathedral’s historic charm.
Location: South Side
Main Sacristy
The Main Sacristy is a solemn space with a Greek cross layout and a dome adorned with reliefs of the Last Judgment and the Heavenly Court. The walls are decorated with paintings by Murillo, including Saint Isidoro and Saint Leandro. Visitors can admire sculptures like Saint Ferdinand and the Immaculate Conception. The sacristy also displays a rich collection of gold and silver work, including the famous Custodia by Arfe.
Location: Adjacent to the Chapter House
The Tabernacle (Capilla Mayor)
The Tabernacle is an attractive Baroque addition to Seville Cathedral, built in the early 17th century to replace the old Tabernacle. Its high interior features classical orders with rich Baroque decorations. Inside, you’ll find treasures like Juan Martínez Montañés’ Child Jesus and the 16th-century Christ of the Crown. The highlight is the magnificent main altarpiece, showcasing the Descent from the Cross and a sculpture of Saint Clement, making this space a must-see.
Location: Center of the cathedral
Chapter House
The Chapter House is an architectural masterpiece with an elliptical design that ensures perfect acoustics and visibility. Its walls feature intricate Renaissance sculptures, paintings of virtues, and Latin inscriptions, creating a moral guide for discussions held there. The ceiling showcases remarkable works by Murillo, including a breathtaking Immaculate Conception. The mahogany seats and carved furniture add elegance to this historically significant space.
Location: Close to the Main Sacristy
The Orange Tree Courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos)
The Orange Tree Courtyard, once the sahn of the mosque, is a serene space with historical charm. Its modern fountain occupies the spot of the original Almohad sabil, and its upper basin is a Visigothic relic. The courtyard features two remaining galleries with pointed horseshoe arches and a neatly arranged grid of orange trees. Water channels connect the tree pits, forming geometric patterns that add to its peaceful beauty.
Location: North of the Cathedral
The Columbian Library
The Columbian Library is a treasure trove for book lovers. It combines the vast Capitular collection of over 100,000 volumes with the personal library of Hernando Colón, boasting 6,000 rare works, including incunabula and manuscripts. Located in the upper galleries of the Orange Tree Courtyard, this library has been an important cultural center since the 16th century. Its carefully preserved books and manuscripts make it a fascinating visit for history enthusiasts.
Location: Upper Galleries of the Orange Tree Courtyard
The Pavilion
The Pavilion, a Neoclassical addition to Seville Cathedral, was constructed to replace deteriorating structures in the southwest corner. Initially begun in 1770, financial setbacks delayed its completion until 1928, coinciding with preparations for the Ibero-American Exhibition. Designed by Francisco Javier Luque, the Pavilion features an interior supported by large pilasters and arches, originally meant to support a second floor that was never built. Today, it serves as a functional exhibition and organizational space, complementing the Cathedral’s grandeur.
Location: Southwest Corner