Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral of Seville, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most iconic monuments in Seville and all of Spain. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third largest Christian church in size after St. Peter’s in the Vatican and St. Paul’s in London. The history of the cathedral is deeply intertwined with that of the city. The current building stands on the site of a large Almohad mosque built in the 12th century. The mosque was built by order of the caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf and completed in 1198. When Ferdinand III of Castile conquered Seville in 1248, the mosque was converted into a Christian cathedral. The transformation of the site culminated in the decision, made in 1401, to build a new and grand Gothic cathedral. According to local tradition, the members of the cathedral chapter declared: “Let us make a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it built will take us for madmen.” Construction began in 1402 and lasted over a century, with numerous architects contributing to the project over the years. Among them, Enrique de Egas, Juan Gil de Hontañón, and Juan de Castillo. The result is an imposing and fascinating structure, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. The cathedral is 135 meters long, 100 meters wide, and 40 meters high, with a central nave rising to a height of 42 meters, giving the interior a sense of vastness and solemnity. One of the most distinctive elements of the cathedral is the Giralda, the bell tower that originally served as a minaret for the Almohad mosque. The Giralda is 105 meters high and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Its architecture is a perfect example of the fusion between Islamic and Christian design, with the top part added after the Christian reconquest. Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire a wealth of artworks and historical artifacts. The Capilla Mayor, or Main Chapel, houses a main altar considered one of the largest and most impressive in the world. This altar is a triumph of sculptures and reliefs in gilded wood, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, created by Pierre Dancart and other artists between 1482 and 1564. The Cathedral of Seville is also famous for housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Although there is debate about the authenticity of the remains, the tomb is supported by four figures representing the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre, symbolizing the unity of Spain. Columbus’ presence underscores the historical importance of Seville as a starting point for explorations of the New World. Another notable chapel is the Capilla Real, which contains the remains of kings Ferdinand III, Alfonso X the Wise, and Peter I of Castile. This chapel is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture and houses the crown of the Virgin of the Kings, made with 12,000 precious stones. The Patio de los Naranjos, the former courtyard of the mosque’s ablutions, is an oasis of tranquility with its orange trees and fountains. This space still retains some of the original Moorish features and offers a refreshing break from the magnificence of the cathedral’s interior.