The history of Seville Cathedral begins on the site of a grand mosque built by the Almohad dynasty. Construction of the mosque started in 1172 under the order of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf. After the city was conquered by Christian forces under King Ferdinand III in 1248, the mosque was consecrated and repurposed as the city's cathedral, marking a pivotal moment in Seville's history.
The Almohad Mosque (1172–1248)
The Almohad rulers, who had made Seville their capital, sought to create a mosque that reflected the city's importance. The structure was vast and included a large courtyard for ablutions (the Patio de los Naranjos) and a magnificent minaret, which we now know as the Giralda. The mosque was officially completed in 1198. For half a century, it served as the spiritual heart of Islamic Seville.
The Christianized Mosque (1248–1401)
Following the Reconquista of Seville, the mosque was immediately converted for Christian worship. While its orientation was changed and chapels were added, the fundamental structure remained that of the mosque. For over 150 years, this hybrid building served as Seville's cathedral. However, by the end of the 14th century, the building was in poor condition, and the city's leaders felt a new, grander structure was needed to signify Seville's wealth and Christian identity.
The Gothic Cathedral (1401–Present)
In July 1401, the cathedral chapter made a momentous decision: to demolish the old mosque and build a new cathedral on a scale never before seen. They famously declared, "Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will take us for mad." This marked the beginning of an immense construction project that would span more than a century.
A Century of Construction (1402–1506)
The first stone of the new Gothic cathedral was laid in 1402. The project was a massive undertaking, drawing on the city's resources and employing countless artisans. The builders cleverly retained two key elements from the original mosque: the minaret (La Giralda) and the courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos). The main structure of the Gothic church was completed and consecrated in 1507. Upon its completion, it replaced Hagia Sophia in Istanbul as the largest cathedral in the world.
Key Historical Events and Additions
The history of the cathedral didn't stop in the 16th century. It has continued to evolve through collapses, restorations, and new additions reflecting different architectural styles. To see this layered history up close, consider booking one of our guided tours.
- 1511: The central dome (crossing lantern) collapsed just a few years after completion and had to be rebuilt, a process finished in 1519.
- 1528–1593: A period of Renaissance additions, including the Main Sacristy, the Chapter House, and the Royal Chapel, which houses the tombs of Castilian kings.
- 1618–1758: The Baroque period saw the construction of the adjoining Tabernacle Church (Iglesia del Sagrario).
- 1888: Disaster struck again when the central dome and some vaults collapsed following an earthquake. The subsequent restoration work continued until 1903.
- 1899: The monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus was installed inside the cathedral, having been moved from Havana, Cuba.
- 1987: UNESCO declared the cathedral, along with the Alcázar and Archive of the Indies, a World Heritage Site, recognising its outstanding universal value.
Frequently asked questions
What was Seville Cathedral before it was a cathedral?
Before the current Gothic cathedral was built, the site was occupied by the great Almohad mosque of Seville. The mosque was constructed between 1172 and 1198 and was used as a cathedral for over 150 years after the Christian conquest in 1248 before being demolished.
How old is the Seville Cathedral?
Construction on the Gothic cathedral began in 1402 and was largely completed by 1506. However, some of its most famous parts are even older, as the Giralda tower and the Patio de los Naranjos date back to the original Almohad mosque from the late 12th century.
Why was the Seville Cathedral built?
Seville Cathedral was built to demonstrate the city's wealth, power, and devotion to Christianity after the Reconquista. It replaced the former mosque that had been damaged and was considered inadequate for a city that had become a major international trading centre.
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