Seville Cathedral is an architectural marvel and the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. Along with the Royal Alcazar and la Giralda bell tower, it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. Upon its completion in the early 16th century, Seville Cathedral was at that point the largest Cathedral in the world. Like many places of worship in Andalusia (which was known as Al-Andalus and ruled by Muslims for several centuries), the Cathedral of Seville was built on the site of a mosque. Construction began in 1401 to replace the repurposed mosque with a proper cathedral as a way to show off the city's wealth since Seville had become a major trading port in the years following the Reconquista in 1248.
The facade of Seville Cathedral displays a myriad of Gothic elements including flying buttresses, pointed arches, and intricate stonework. The interior of cathedral is immense, with a total of 5 naves, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a wide range of chapels and altarpieces. Visitors flock to see the cathedral's impressive collection of religious art and relics and it is particularly renowned for being the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.
Get acquainted with Seville's architecture, history, and culture on this private half-day tour visiting three of its most important monuments: the Royal Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and La Giralda.
On your private tour, you will:
No visit to Seville would be complete without entering the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and la Giralda. Our private half-day highlights tour of Seville will help you discover the city’s history from its Roman origins to the flourishing Muslim empire and eventual Christian Reconquest, right up to the bustling metropolis of the present day.
The capital of Andalusia, and 4th largest city in Spain, Seville is a truly charming city that delights visitors all year round. Once you meet with your guide, your personalized journey to Seville’s cultural epicentre will begin with a stroll through the winding streets of Casco Antiguo (historic centre) to arrive at our first stop: Seville Cathedral.
You will spend time exploring this impressive Gothic site, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Your guide will start with an in-depth look at the facade, which includes some typical features of the Gothic style of architecture including complex stonework, flying buttresses, and pointed arches. You will then proceed to the interior of the cathedral, also known as Santa Maria de la Sede, to marvel at its elaborate interior.
With your expert guide well-versed in local history, you will learn about the evolution of the building over the centuries, from its original construction as a mosque in the 12th century to its transformation into a stunning Christian Cathedral designed to serve the city’s devout Catholic population and show off Seville’s newfound affluence since it had become a major trading port in the years following the Reconquista in 1248. The Cathedral also serves as the final resting place of the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus so you can pass by his tomb and also see the wide variety of religious art and relics.
Upon exiting the Cathedral, your combined tickets will allow you to climb to the top of the bell tower, commonly known as La Giralda. Your private guide will give you some free time so you ascend the tower at your own pace and admire the stunning views of Seville from the summit. You will notice that the interior of the tower contains ramps instead of stairs, dating back to a time when people would go up on horseback.
Once you complete your descent of la Giralda, your guide will take you to the next stop: the Royal Alcazar of Seville. This beautiful palace dates back to the 14th century, and much like the Cathedral and la Giralda, the site upon which it was built is even older, dating back to the 10th Century during the Caliphate of Cordoba. You will visit the different parts of the palace and its lush gardens where you can admire the Mudejar style of architecture characterized by intricate geometric patterns, decorative tilework, and even elegant calligraphy. You may recognize some of the sites covered from the popular television show Game of Thrones as the Alcazar of Seville was used as the backdrop for the fictional city of Dorne.
Your private tour will conclude at the Alcazar, where you can continue to explore on your own or return to the city centre armed with plenty of recommendations from your guide of other things to do and see in Seville. By the end of your time with your guide, you will have a much deeper understanding of the history and culture of Seville and the importance of its most famous masterpieces.
Known as one of the largest cathedrals in the world, Seville’s most renowned church is a triumph of Gothic architecture blended with some distinct Mudejar elements. The building is characterised by its soaring heights, intricate details, and stunning stained-glass windows. Alongside its distinctive la Giralda bell tower, formerly the minaret of a grand mosque, it is one of Seville’s most emblematic monuments displaying a captivating mix of history and artistic brilliance. Embark on an in-depth 1.5-hour guided visit to the Cathedral and Giralda in the company of a local guide well-versed in the stories behind these beautiful and complex buildings and experience the cathedral in all its glory, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for its religious and cultural significance as well as its extraordinary aesthetic.
On your private tour, you will:
You will have the privileged opportunity to discover one of the most important religious sites in Spain. Along this 1.5-hour private tour, your knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the architectural wonders and fascinating history of Seville Cathedral, offering insights into the city’s rich past, from its Islamic roots to its Christian transformation. Your tour will begin at our conveniently located meeting point in the historic centre of Seville where your guide will be waiting with tickets procured in advance to ensure a hassle-free visit. During your brief journey towards the gates of the cathedral, your guide will provide an introduction to the imposing building, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once you enter the complex, begin with a detailed look at the cathedral’s exterior. As you admire its towering façade, your guide will point out the intricate details that exemplify Gothic craftsmanship such as the prominent pointed arches and elaborate stone sculptures, including plenty of gargoyles. Discover the distinct Moorish influences and the Renaissance and Neo-Gothic elements added centuries later, leading to a remarkable fusion of architectural styles. You will soon hear captivating stories behind the incredible architecture, unravelling the site’s origins as a mosque when Seville was known as Ishbiliya, a strategic and economic hub in the heart of Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula. Your guide will explain the transformation of the mosque into a church called Santa Maria de la Sede following the Christian Reconquest and you will see first-hand how its elaborate minaret was repurposed into what is now La Giralda, a quintessential symbol of the Seville that can still be seen from all over the city.
You will continue to explore the inside of the cathedral, where you will awed by the sheer scale of the nave, illuminated by the radiant colours of its stained-glass windows, which create a mystical atmosphere for the sacred space. As you navigate the immense interior with the help of your guide, you will observe the many treasures within its walls, including a vast collection of religious art and relics, each with its own story to tell. You will also find the final resting place of many illustrious historical figures, including the tomb of Christopher Columbus, whose remains are held here in a grandiose monument. Your guide can enlighten you about the intrepid explorer’s profound connection to Seville and the city’s pivotal role in Spain’s exploration of the New World.
After your comprehensive look inside the cathedral, you’ll stroll through the Patio de los Naranjos, a tranquil courtyard lined with fragrant orange trees. Originally part of the mosque’s ablution area, this peaceful space retains its Islamic essence with a central fountain and symmetrical layout. Then it will be time to approach La Giralda, the cathedral’s grand bell tower. You will once again marvel at the unique architecture, a remnant of the Almohad era, and see how its ramped design was originally intended to allow horses to ascend. You will hear insights about its historical significance, illustrating how it bridges the mosque's past with the cathedral's present. Last but certainly not least, you will have the option to ascend to the top of La Giralda and soak in amazing views of Seville’s skyline. From this vantage point, you can see the city’s historic layout, with its maze of narrow streets, grand plazas, and the winding Guadalquivir River.
As your tour comes to a close, you’ll leave with plenty of photos and fond memories of the monuments that truly capture the spirit of Seville—a city shaped by centuries of cultural fusion.
Seville is a city that truly comes alive at night with so many stories to be found among its winding streets. Our private evening walking tour is a great way to see the city in a different light, with a passionate local guide taking you on a journey through the atmospheric quarter of Santa Cruz, regaling you with gripping tales of legendary moments through the ages and giving you a glimpse into the soul of Seville past and present.
On this private evening walking tour, you will:
If you are looking for an entertaining and informative way to spend your evening in Seville then our private walking tour is a great option, allowing you to step back in time as you wander the streets of the charming barrio Santa Cruz accompanied by a local guide eager to show off their city and peel back the layers of culture and history that make this neighbourhood so unique. Your adventure will begin in the Plaza del Triunfo, an elegant square that makes for an excellent starting point for exploring the historic heart of the city. Surrounded by 3 of Seville’s most important monuments, the plaza showcases a remarkable blend of architectural styles, reflecting Seville’s rich multicultural history. From the Gothic and Islamic influences of the Cathedral and Alcázar to the Renaissance and Baroque elements of the Archivo and Triunfo Monument, the square is a visual journey through centuries of artistic evolution.
As you stroll the maze-like cobblestone streets, your guide can reveal the secrets of Seville’s ancient Jewish quarter, where echoes of a once-thriving community still linger in its narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. Your guide will recount stories of notable figures who once called this neighbourhood home, weaving together a tapestry of diverse cultural influences that have shaped Santa Cruz over the centuries.
You’ll soon be captivated by the magic of Seville under the stars as you wander past Santa Cruz’s vibrant squares and iconic streets, including Calle Fabiola and the bustling Plaza Alfalfa, each with its colourful tales, from epic romances to macabre ghost stories. Along the way, you can enjoy the quarter’s lively yet intimate atmosphere, where locals gather in candlelit tapas bars and the scent of orange blossoms fills the air. The evening setting transforms the Barrio Santa Cruz into a beautiful and mysterious landscape, perfect for delving into Seville's many legends and mysteries.
The tour concludes at the historic Faculty of Fine Arts, a fitting finale to an evening immersed in the culture and beauty of Seville. Should you wish to keep exploring, your guide can provide plenty of recommendations for top-notch tapas bars or other emblematic spots nearby. However you choose to spend the rest of your evening, you will no doubt be left with a deep appreciation for the city’s charm, history, and enduring spirit.
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, shaped by a complex patchwork of different civilizations across the centuries. Known as Hispalis in ancient times, the city is thought to have been founded almost 3000 years ago and to this day, you can still see traces of the Romans, the Moors, the Visigoths, the Christians who established themselves after the Reconquest as well as the prestige and prosperity that came to the city after the voyages of discovery to the Americas. Taking an introductory tour on a traditional horse and carriage is a great way to get a feel for the city, allowing you to uncover the most captivating corners of Seville with the help of a local expert guide.
On this 90-minute carriage tour, you will:
Whether it’s your first time in Seville or you’re rediscovering its magic, this private horse carriage tour promises an elegant and immersive experience where you can sit back, relax, and let the beauty of Seville unfold before you. Your adventure begins at our centrally located meeting point, where your guide and driver will be waiting in a beautifully restored horse-drawn carriage, a nod to Seville’s rich equestrian heritage. After getting acquainted, you set off on a journey through the charming Santa Cruz district, the city’s historic epicentre where the narrow cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and hidden plazas create a romantic atmosphere that’s quintessentially Andalusian.
As the rhythmic sound of hooves fills the air, you’ll be transported back in time to an era when carriages ruled Seville’s streets. Your experienced driver and local guide will be with you every step of the way, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the city. You’ll be sure to see Seville Cathedral—the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and an integral part of the city’s skyline. Your guide can point out the intricate details of its facade and the grandeur of La Giralda, its emblematic bell tower, blending Islamic and Renaissance influences.
Your comprehensive route will continue past the majestic Alcázar, a royal palace that has served as a residence for Spanish rulers since the Middle Ages. Its stunning architecture and lush gardens are a testament to the harmonious blend of Moorish and Christian influences that define Andalusian culture. As your carriage makes its way through the city, learn about the fascinating history of other key buildings like the Royal Tobacco Factory, the inspiration behind the world-famous opera Carmen.
You’ll also spend some time along the banks of the emblematic Guadalquivir River, where the Torre del Oro stands as a sentinel of Seville’s maritime history. This striking 13th-century military watchtower, once used to protect the city’s bustling port, gleams in the sunlight, earning its name, the "Golden Tower." You may pass by the opulent Hotel Alfonso XIII, a symbol of Seville’s transformation during the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Here you will learn how this grand event shaped the city’s modern identity, leaving behind architectural marvels and an enduring cultural legacy.
You will continue through the lovely Maria Luisa Park, a lush oasis that serves as the perfect backdrop to Plaza de España, one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks. Built for the 1929 Exposition, this architectural masterpiece features a sweeping semi-circular design, ornate bridges, and dazzling tile work that celebrates Spain’s 50 provinces.
As your carriage comes to a graceful stop, you are free to spend more time drinking in the unique atmosphere of Plaza de España, where your guide can happily provide further recommendations for dining and sightseeing nearby. You will leave with fond memories of your time together and a deeper appreciation for Seville’s intricate history, timeless charm, and cultural vibrancy.
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