Seville Cathedral: Why It’s One of the Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Spain

The Seville Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede, is a must-see for travelers visiting Spain. With its rich history and impressive Gothic architecture, the cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world.

In this article, we will introduce you to the main attractions of this cathedral, why it is so popular among tourists, as well as an unusual fact about this fascinating place. We will also explain how to get there, the accommodations available nearby, and the activities to do in the surrounding area.

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Seville Cathedral: Why It's One of the Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Spain

Why is Seville Cathedrale so popular?

Seville Cathedral has a long history that dates back to the 12th century. It was built on the site of an old mosque, which in turn had been built on the foundations of a Christian church. Construction of the cathedral began in 1401 and lasted for over a century until 1506.

The cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture and has been enlarged and embellished over the centuries. It is also the burial place of many important historical figures, such as Christopher Columbus. Today, Seville Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most visited monuments in Spain.

What are the main characteristics of the Cathedral?

Seville Cathedral is an architectural wonder that has several remarkable features. Here are some of the main characteristics of Seville Cathedral:

  1. Size: With an area of over 11,000 square meters, Seville Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world.
  2. Architecture: Seville Cathedral is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. It has a large rose window, an impressive vault, pointed arches, and massive pillars.
  3. The Giralda: One of Seville’s most iconic symbols, the Giralda is a 104-meter-tall tower that was once the minaret of the original mosque. It was converted into the cathedral’s bell tower in the 16th century.
  4. Chapels: Seville Cathedral has many chapels, including the Royal Chapel where King Ferdinand III and King Alfonso X are buried, and the Baptistry Chapel which houses a large Renaissance fresco.
  5. Treasures: Seville Cathedral houses many treasures, including a collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, goldsmithery, and illuminated manuscripts.
  6. The Orange Tree Courtyard: This inner courtyard of the cathedral is filled with orange trees and offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

These features make Seville Cathedral a must-visit destination for art, architecture, and history enthusiasts.

Intersting face about Seville Cathedrale

Seville Cathedrale houses an astronomical clock that was built in the 18th century. This clock is considered one of the largest and most accurate astronomical clocks in the world. It is capable of giving the time, date, phase of the moon, the position of the sun and moon in the zodiac, and even movable religious festivals such as Easter. This clock is still in operation today and can be admired by visitors to Seville Cathedral.

How to get to Seville Cathedrale?

The Seville Cathedral is located in the city center of Seville, Spain and it is easily accessible on foot, by bus or by taxi. If you are walking, the Cathedral is accessible from many points in the city center and is easy to find due to its imposing size.

If you prefer to use public transportation, several bus lines serve the Cathedral, including lines C3, C4 and 27. There are also taxi stands nearby.

If you are driving, there are several paid parking lots near the Cathedral, but keep in mind that traffic in the city center can be dense and parking can be challenging.

What are the accommodation options available near Seville Cathedrale?

There are a variety of accommodation options near Seville Cathedral, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The closest neighborhoods to the Cathedral include Santa Cruz, El Arenal, and El Centro. Here are a few examples of popular accommodations in these neighborhoods:

  • Hotel Alfonso XIII, a luxury hotel located just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral.
  • Petit Palace Santa Cruz, a four-star hotel located in the picturesque neighborhood of Santa Cruz.
  • Hostal Puerta Carmona, a budget-friendly accommodation option located about a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral.
  • Hotel Doña Maria, a three-star hotel located in the historic El Arenal neighborhood, near the Cathedral.
  • Hotel Adriano Sevilla, a three-star hotel located in the El Centro neighborhood, just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral.

It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit Seville during the high tourist season.

What are the other activities to do near Seville Cathedrale?

There are several activities to do around Seville Cathedral. Here are some ideas:

  1. Stroll through the Santa Cruz neighborhood: one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Seville, with its narrow streets and flower-filled patios.
  2. Visit the Real Alcazar of Seville: a royal palace and gardens dating back to the medieval era, located just a few steps from the Cathedral.
  3. Explore Maria Luisa Park: a large park located near the Cathedral, with fountains, gardens, and monuments.
  4. Discover the Triana neighborhood: a historic neighborhood in Seville located across the Guadalquivir River, famous for its pottery and tapas bars.
  5. Attend a flamenco show: Seville is known as the birthplace of flamenco, and there are several venues around the Cathedral where you can see live performances.
  6. Go shopping: there are several shops and craft stores around the Cathedral, offering local products such as olive oil, wine, and ceramics.

These activities provide a glimpse into the cultural richness of Seville and are easily accessible from the Cathedral.

See all our articles about things to do in Sevilla

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