Background
Together these three buildings form a remarkable monumental complex in the heart of Seville. UNESCO says the cathedral and the Alcázar, from the Reconquest of 1248 to the 16th century and imbued with Moorish influences, are an exceptional testimony to the Almohads and to Christian Andalusia; the Giralda minaret is the masterpiece of Almohad architecture, the five-naved cathedral is the largest Gothic building in Europe and holds Columbus's tomb, and the old Lonja became the Archive of the Indies.
The Alcázar began as the Islamic citadel of the 10th century and was rebuilt after 1248; Pedro I's Mudéjar palace of the 1360s is its finest part, and the royal family still uses the upper floors.
- 913Abd al-Rahman III builds the first fortress
- 12th c.The Almohads build the Giralda minaret
- 1248The Castilian conquest of Seville
- 1360sPedro I's Mudéjar palace in the Alcázar
- 15th c.The Gothic cathedral rises on the mosque
- 1987Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Seville CathedralEurope's largest Gothic church, with Columbus's tomb; the ticket includes the Giralda.
- 2The GiraldaClimb the 34 ramps of the minaret-turned-bell-tower.
- 3Real AlcázarPedro I's Mudéjar palace and the gardens; book online.
- 4Archive of the IndiesThe old exchange holding the records of the Americas.
- 5Barrio Santa CruzThe old Jewish quarter's lanes and patios beside the complex.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
The Monumental Complex
From the GoGo Seville guide · Open the Seville Guide ›
- 09:30The Real Alcázar2 hrsMudéjar palaces and gardens.
- 11:45Seville Cathedral and the Giralda90 minThe cathedral and the tower.
- 13:30Archive of the Indies30 minThe records of the Americas.
- 16:00Plaza de España and María Luisa Park2 hrsThe tiled half-moon plaza.
- 20:00Flamenco Show90 minIn its home city.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Jul–Aug.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
