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.
Can you go inside Seville Cathedral?
Yes, and you should! Just purchase a ticket online or onsite.
We recommend buying online in advance to avoid long queues and secure your preferred time.
You can choose a self-guided experience or a guided tour to gain deeper insights.
What not to miss inside Seville Cathedral?
Short on time? Don’t leave without seeing these:
- Main Altarpiece: 44 gilded reliefs and 200+ saintly sculptures.
- Columbus’ Tomb: Four statues hold the coffin of the explorer.
- Giralda Tower: A climb with a reward of 360° views of Seville.
- Royal Chapel: Houses Spanish monarch tombs and the Virgin of the Kings.
- Orange Tree Courtyard: Peaceful and rooted in Moorish history.
Explore these 17 fascinating highlights 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 largest wooden altarpiece in the world, crafted over nearly a century by Spanish and Flemish artists. It’s 44 relief panels and over 200 statues vividly depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, showcasing stunning Gothic artistry that mesmerizes visitors.
Location: Main Chapel
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
This tomb of Christopher Columbus is carried by four statues representing the medieval kingdoms of Spain, symbolizing the nation’s unity during Columbus’s voyages. The design, completed in the 19th century, honors Columbus’s impact on world history and is one of the cathedral’s most photographed spots.
Location: Near Main Chapel
The Giralda
Originally built as a minaret during Moorish rule, the Giralda Tower was later converted into a bell tower with Renaissance additions. Visitors can ascend via a series of ramps rather than stairs, reaching the top for panoramic views of Seville’s red-tiled rooftops and historic center.
Location: Bell Tower
Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel houses the tombs of King Alfonso X “the Wise” and other Spanish royalty, making it a significant historical site. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning 13th-century Gothic statue of the Virgin of the Kings placed beneath an ornate silver canopy.
Location: Head of the Cathedral
Choir Stalls
The choir stalls feature 117 intricately carved wooden seats that display biblical scenes and allegories of virtues and vices. The King’s chair, adorned with the shields of Castile and León, dates back to 1478 and sits beside a majestic double-pipe organ, enhancing the cathedral’s solemn beauty.
Location: Near the Main Chapel
Gate of the Assumption (Puerta de la Asunción)
This grand west-facing doorway is renowned for its Gothic style and large tympanum relief showing the Virgin Mary’s Assumption. Created in 1833 by Ricardo Bellver, the gate is flanked by statues of saints and serves as the cathedral’s most impressive entrance.
Location: West Façade
Gate of Forgiveness (Puerta del Perdón)
An original feature from the mosque that once stood here, this gate has a horseshoe arch and stunning Plateresque plasterwork. Above the arch, baked clay statues depict the Expulsion of the Merchants, combining Moorish and Renaissance art in a unique architectural blend.
Location: North Façade
Gate of the Conception (Puerta de la Concepción)
This north side entrance leads to the tranquil Orange Tree Courtyard and was completed in 1887 to match the cathedral’s Gothic style. The façade features a detailed depiction of Jesus as a priest surrounded by his apostles, harmonizing beautifully with the historic building.
Location: North Side
Gate of the Bells
Named for the bells that once called workers during construction, this gate features a baked clay tympanum depicting Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Renaissance sculptures add timeless charm to this lesser-known but elegant doorway.
Location: Left Side
St. Michael’s Gate (Door of the Nativity)
Situated on the right side of the main façade, this gate displays scenes from the Birth of Christ sculpted by Lorenzo Mercadante. Statues of the four Evangelists and other saints adorn the jambs, while intricately carved archivolts enhance the gate’s artistic appeal.
Location: Right Side
Prince’s Gate (Puerta del Príncipe)
The south side entrance is the primary access point for onsite ticket holders. Built later than other gates, its design by architect Fernández Casanova respects the Gothic aesthetic and is flanked by two imposing 16th-century pillars.
Location: South Side
Main Sacristy
A solemn, sacred space with a Greek cross floor plan, the Main Sacristy features a dome decorated with reliefs of the Last Judgment and the Heavenly Court. It also displays paintings by Murillo and sculptures of Saint Ferdinand and the Immaculate Conception.
Location: Adjacent to the Chapter House
The Tabernacle (Capilla Mayor)
This Baroque addition replaced the original Tabernacle in the early 17th century and features lavish classical decorations. Inside, visitors can admire treasures like Juan Martínez Montañés’ Child Jesus sculpture and the Christ of the Crown.
Location: Center of the cathedral
Chapter House
The Chapter House has an elliptical shape designed for excellent acoustics and visibility. Its walls are adorned with Renaissance sculptures, Latin inscriptions, and Murillo’s stunning Immaculate Conception fresco on the ceiling, all set amid elegant mahogany furnishings.
Location: Close to the Main Sacristy
The Orange Tree Courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos)
Once the mosque’s courtyard, this serene space contains a grid of orange trees watered by a historical system of water channels. Visitors enjoy the blend of Moorish arches and peaceful natural beauty, which provides a quiet retreat from the bustling cathedral interior.
Location: North of the Cathedral
The Columbian Library
Located in the upper galleries above the Orange Tree Courtyard, this library holds a collection of over 100,000 volumes. It includes Hernando Colón’s personal library with rare manuscripts and early printed books, making it a fascinating stop for history and book lovers.
Location: Upper Galleries of the Orange Tree Courtyard
The Pavilion
A Neoclassical structure built to replace deteriorated buildings in the southwest corner of the cathedral complex. Originally planned for two floors, it now serves as an exhibition and organizational space, complementing the cathedral’s grandeur.
Location: Southwest Corner