Early Access to Seville Cathedral

Visit one of the most impressive sacred sites on this exclusive, skip the line tour. Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. It was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The huge interior of the cathedral, with a central nave and four side aisles, is lavishly decorated. Gold is everywhere. But at the same time, there is a sense of overall simplicity and restraint in decoration. This cathedral is home to the largest and richest altarpiece in the world. Other notable works of art in the cathedral include 15th-century stained glass windows and the iron screens (rejas) closing off the chapels. Don’t miss the keys presented to Fernando by the Jewish and Moorish communities on the surrender of the city: sculpted into the metal in Arabic script are the words, “May Allah render eternal the dominion of Islam in this city.” The northeast corner contains the domed Capilla Real (Royal Chapel). Built on the site of the original royal burial chapel, it shelters the body of Fernando III (El Santo) in a rich, silver shrine. The tombs on either side belong to Fernando’s wife, Beatrice of Swabia, and his son, Alfonso the Wise. To the left of the Capilla Real is the entrance to the wonderful Moorish minaret, La Giralda, which now functions as the cathedral’s bell tower. It is well worth climbing to the top.