Seville has been a place of great tradition, a union of cultures, and a city that boasts some of the most emblematic buildings in Spain. Among them is a tower that, in its time, was considered the highest in Europe. The Giralda Tower in Seville is one of those iconic monuments that the city still retains.
The bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Mary of Seville is visited each year by thousands of tourists. If you visit Sevilla, we highly recommend that you go; you will not be disappointed.
History of the Giralda in Seville
The birth and inauguration of the Giralda date back to the year 1182, when the Almohad tower was opened as a mosque inspired by the towers of Rabat and Marrakech that still stand today. In 1195, when the troops of the Almohad Empire defeated the Castilian army at the Battle of Alarcos, a minaret was added to honor the victory.
The tower stands at over 80 meters high with its Arab finishes. Throughout its history, it has undergone significant changes. For example, in 1248, it became a cathedral after the Christian conquest.
In 1365, the Giralda in Seville was struck by an earthquake that caused damage to its structure, transforming its top. After the sixteenth century, Spanish Renaissance architect Hernán Ruiz Jimenez reshuffled the cathedral, adding a bell and giving the tower a more aesthetic finish. This last body of the tower incorporated a statue of a woman, 4 meters high, representing “the victorious faith.” This statue was then named “Giraldillo,” giving the monument its name.
Architecture, structure, and spaces
The classical structure of the Giralda is inspired by Almohad alminares, comprising a square base surrounded by external walls that hold the tower together. Its construction began in stone and was finished in brick, emphasizing the simple materials used at its base.
Inside the Giralda in Seville, there is not much to show; it lacks great ornaments. However, its exterior decoration displays a design worthy of appreciation. The bricks shape the netting that decorates the walls of the tower, and the intersecting arches form the top. Today, the tower stands at 101 meters high, including the Giraldillo statue, making it the second tallest building in the city, just behind the Sevilla Tower, a skyscraper at 178 meters high.
Visit the Giralda in Seville
Visiting the Giralda when in Seville is definitely something worth doing. The upper area offers a perspective of the city like no other.
The visitable monument zone can be accessed after climbing 35 ramps that lead to the last 17 steps of the tower, where the incredible views await. From the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, you can see the impressive sculpture of the Maiden, towering 4 meters high. This giant statue greets you from the heights of the Giralda in Seville.
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
The discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus, rests today in the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Sevilla. His remains traveled from place to place until they reached this town nearly 400 years after his death.
Choir and altar
The Gothic cathedral of the city features the Choir and the Altarpiece of the chapel as some of the key points of interest.
The altarpiece lies in the central part of the main chapel, occupying the site where ceremonies are performed. It is considered the largest in Christendom. Sculptor Pieter Dancart created an altarpiece nearly 30 meters high and 20 meters wide, showcasing works that continued for at least a century.
The tableau was completed in 1564, after which sculptors added and shaped 44 reliefs and 200 holy figures seen in the hood. Among the tableau figures are representations such as the birth of Christ, the virgin birth, and the crown of thorns. The choir, located in the central nave of the Cathedral, features masonry composed of two bodies containing 117 stalls carved in wood.
Climb the Giralda in Seville
While the ascent may not be easy, it is truly recommended. Climbing the Giralda in Seville is one of the most rewarding experiences during your trip to Sevilla.
You can begin your climb at the entrance leading to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the See of Seville. The interior isn’t particularly flashy, but the views are undeniably breathtaking.
Curiosities of the Giralda
Don Quijote mentioned the city in several chapters, describing the Giralda in Seville as a brave and strong giantess, made of bronze, challenged by the desire of love.
The wide ramps allow easy access, enabling the sultan to ascend on horseback to oversee his territory. Notably, there are several replicas of Giralda around the world. These replicas became so popular that many people might recognize them without having visited Seville. The structure and design of the Giralda influenced numerous monuments globally.
Interestingly, the Giralda in Seville houses 24 bells, which are computer-programmed to chime accurately every hour. Believe it or not, the Giralda is taller than Big Ben in London, which measures 96 meters, and it is also taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
Useful information on the Giralda in Seville
When planning your visit to the Giralda, please note that access is not permitted for individuals with disabilities for security reasons; the use of wheelchairs is prohibited.
Caution is advised for those suffering from conditions such as vertigo, claustrophobia, anemia, dizziness, or heart and respiratory problems. Failure to comply with the general rules imposed by local authorities may result in denied entry or expulsion from the Giralda and the Cathedral. Additionally, religious services and cultural activities can occasionally limit tourist access to various areas of the site without prior notice.
Ticket prices
The entry price includes access to the Gothic cathedral, allowing visitors to climb the Giralda and explore other areas such as the sacristy and the Renaissance chapter house. General entry tickets cost €9 per person. A reduced ticket is available for €4 for pensioners, unemployed individuals, and students up to 25 years of age.
Residents of the city of Seville, individuals under 14, those with disabilities (higher than 65%), or the unemployed can access the Giralda for free, provided they present the necessary documentation.
For those interested, the only entrance to the Church of El Salvador costs €4 and includes a free audio guide. Prior accreditation through an official document is required.
Times
The Cathedral opens on Monday from 11:00 to 15:30, Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00, and Sunday from 14:30 to 18:00.
From July and August (except on July 17 and 25), entry is available on Mondays from 10:30 to 16:00, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:30 to 18:00, and Sundays from 14:00 to 19:00.
The Cathedral is closed on January 1, January 6, and December 25. Additionally, special hours may apply on January 5 and December 24 and 31, from 11:00 to 13:00. Free hours are available on Mondays from 16:30 to 18:00.
How to get to the Giralda in Seville?
Reaching the Giralda in Seville is easy since it is located in the center of the city. You can walk from any point in the city, as the tower is visible from afar and is well-known in the area.
For public transport in Seville:
- Metro: Line 1, Station Puerta de Jerez.
- Bus: Take lines C4, C3, 5, 41, 42, C1, and C2, Station: Jardines de Cristina.
For those driving, take access roads A66 north to A92 south, and A4 east and west.