These historic landmarks are recognized by the entire world and should be your first stops. They contain thousands of years of history and architecture. The beauty of these sites is famous, and they have been featured in many movies.
As one of the largest cathedrals in the world, the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is a main landmark of Seville, and its plazas are the liveliest in the city. Built mainly in the 15th century, it kept the minaret of the old mosque as its bell tower: the Giralda, which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and, when climbed, gives you a perfect view. Built on the site of the Almohad mosque, the cathedral is a clear example of Seville’s long history.
Inside, look for the monument holding the remains attributed to Christopher Columbus, carried by four figures that represent the old kingdoms of Spain, and for the main altarpiece, one of the largest in the world. Climbing the Giralda is easier than it looks: instead of stairs, a series of ramps wide enough for a rider on horseback leads almost to the top. The visit usually ends in the Patio de los Naranjos, the courtyard of the old mosque.
The oldest European palace that is still in use today, the Royal Alcazar and its gardens have been used often in movies and television. Used by the King of Spain when he and his family visit Seville, the beautiful foliage and palace walls create a truly royal experience as peacocks wander the outer gardens.
The highlight is the Palace of King Peter I, built in the 14th century by craftsmen from Granada, Toledo and Seville, where Islamic-style plasterwork, tiles and courtyards such as the Patio de las Doncellas were made for a Christian king. Leave time for the gardens: their pavilions, fountains and the vaulted Baths of Doña María de Padilla are as memorable as the rooms.
Storing over 43,000 documents, walking the halls of the Archive is very impressive. Like all of Seville, its architecture reflects its history and importance as one of the most important archives in Europe, with documents related to the Spanish empire throughout the world, especially in the Americas.
The building was designed in the 16th century as the merchants’ exchange, so that traders would stop doing business on the cathedral steps, and it only became an archive in 1785. Visitors can climb the grand marble staircase and walk the upper galleries, where a selection of maps and original documents is on display.
These are the two most popular sites in all of Seville, and therefore the queues are long, even early in the mornings. To get the full historic experience, we recommend booking a local guide to get more familiar with the monuments and skip the lines.
Remember that you can find much more complete and updated information in our PDF guide, written by a local. It includes extra recommendations, a tourist map, and updated schedules and prices. It is free with any tour or activity booking.
