The most fascinating fact about Seville Cathedral is that it is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede), its immense size was a deliberate statement of the city's power and wealth after the Reconquista. Upon its completion in the early 16th century, it surpassed Istanbul's Hagia Sophia as the world's largest cathedral.
A Record-Breaking Gothic Giant
When the cathedral chapter decided to build a new church in 1401, their ambition was clear. According to local tradition, they proclaimed: "Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will take us for mad." They succeeded, creating a structure covering an area of 11,520 square metres. The central nave soars to a breathtaking height of 42 metres.
From Mosque to Cathedral
Before the cathedral existed, the site was home to the city's main Almohad mosque, built between 1172 and 1198. After the Christian conquest of Seville in 1248, the mosque was converted into a church. However, much of the original structure was eventually demolished to make way for the new Gothic cathedral. Two major elements of the mosque were preserved and incorporated into the new design: the bell tower and the courtyard.
The Giralda: A Minaret Reborn
The cathedral's iconic bell tower, La Giralda, was originally the minaret of the Almohad mosque. Standing 104.5 metres tall, it was one of the most important symbols of the medieval city. Instead of stairs, a series of 35 ramps lead to the top, wide enough for the muezzin to ride a horse up for the call to prayer. In the 16th century, a Renaissance-style belfry was added, topped by a bronze statue representing faith, nicknamed 'El Giraldillo'.
Patio de los Naranjos
The beautiful Courtyard of the Orange Trees (Patio de los Naranjos) was the original ablutions courtyard (sahn) of the mosque, where worshippers would perform ritual cleansing before prayer. This tranquil space, with its fountain and orange trees, remains a vital part of the cathedral complex, offering a peaceful transition from the bustling city outside.
The Tomb of an Explorer
One of the cathedral's most famous features is the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus. His remains were moved several times after his death in 1506, travelling from Valladolid to Santo Domingo, then Havana, before finally arriving in Seville in 1898. The dramatic tomb features four large figures representing the four kingdoms of Spain—Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre—carrying his coffin aloft. DNA tests in the early 2000s confirmed that the remains in the tomb are indeed those of Columbus.
More Surprising Seville Cathedral Facts
Beyond its grand scale and famous tomb, Seville Cathedral holds many other secrets and surprising details. It's a treasure trove of art, history, and peculiar legends that make a visit truly unforgettable. To truly appreciate its scale and history, you can book tickets in advance.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1987, the cathedral, alongside the Alcázar palace and the Archive of the Indies, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Royal Burials: The cathedral's Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) holds the remains of several Castilian monarchs, including Ferdinand III, who conquered Seville from the Moors, Alfonso X 'The Wise', and Peter I 'The Cruel'.
- The World's Largest Altarpiece: The main chapel (Capilla Mayor) is dominated by a colossal Gothic altarpiece, the largest in all of Christendom. Carved over several decades, it features 44 reliefs and more than 200 figures depicting scenes from the life of Christ.
- A Crocodile in the Cathedral: Hanging from the ceiling near the Patio de los Naranjos is a wooden replica of a crocodile. The original was a gift from the Sultan of Egypt to King Alfonso X in the 13th century during an unsuccessful attempt to arrange a marriage alliance.
- The Breathing Cathedral: In 2006, sensors installed during restoration work revealed that the cathedral's vast stone vaults expand and contract by several centimetres each day with temperature changes, a movement likened to breathing. This flexibility helps the structure withstand stress.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Seville Cathedral so famous?
Seville Cathedral is famous for being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest church overall. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
How long did it take to build Seville Cathedral?
The main Gothic construction of Seville Cathedral took over a century, beginning in 1402 and largely concluding in 1506. However, additions and modifications, such as the Renaissance-era belfry on the Giralda and various chapels, continued for centuries afterwards.
Who is buried in Seville Cathedral?
Besides Christopher Columbus and his son Ferdinand, several Spanish royals are buried in the cathedral. These include Ferdinand III of Castile, Alfonso X of Castile, and Peter I of Castile.
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