Giralda Tower

Giralda Tower which includes heritage architecture, a city and street scenes
This ornate belfry has an interesting past before being one of the Cathedral's towers, it was a minaret.

Seville is a city awash with historical architecture, and la Giralda is the jewel in its crown. La Giralda was initially constructed as a minaret, completed in 1196. Those behind it were the Almohades, a Berber-Muslim dynasty which had a stronghold over Iberia during the 12th and 13th centuries. This is the only minaret of its kind in Spain the other two are in Rabat and Marrakesh. During the Reconquista of 1248, the country's Christians decided not to tear the minaret down, but rather to incorporate it into a cathedral. The top third of the tower was added in the 16th century, its architecture decidedly different to the rest.

La Giralda stands 104 metres tall and is recognisable from many areas of Seville. It's only when you get up close to it, however, that you fully appreciate the artistry that went into it. Towards the bottom of the structure, you'll come across inscriptions concerned with the Roman emperor Augustus. Further up is a series of beautifully-carved balconies and intricate lattice work. Towards the top of la Giralda, the Spanish Renaissance influence is plain to see. The “Lily Section” contains the bells, and is crowned with a bronze female figure.

Make sure you climb to the top of la Giralda, which can be accessed from Seville Cathedral. At the top of the belfry, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Seville, as well as a closer look at the detailing on the buttresses and gargoyles. Allow yourself time to explore the gorgeous interior of the cathedral too.

This tower has inspired many that followed it, especially those in the United States. Among them are Chicago's Wrigley Building, the Terminal Tower in Cleveland and the Ferry Building's clock tower in San Francisco.

La Giralda is in the Old Town, on the east bank of the Guadalquivir River. Its opening hours are the same as those of the cathedral. Admission is included with entry to the cathedral.

Reviews of Giralda Tower

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
246
" "5 - Excellent 62.121212121212125%
4 - Good
133
" "4 - Good 33.58585858585859%
3 - Okay
14
" "3 - Okay 3.5353535353535355%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7575757575757576%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Sep 2019

Do for you if unfit or claustrophobic

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Aug 2019

This probably gets rather crowded in high season - book in advance for this, the Cathedral and Alcazar

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
23 Jun 2019

Would not recommend. On the day we visited very long queue to get up the tower. Once we were there part of it was closed off due to works. Lots of people jostling to get up to view over the edge of the tower. Consequently we did not get to see much at all, most people quite rude and not allowing others to get a view. We felt sorry for the people who were perhaps not so fit and those with small children that had walked up the 35 slopes and 17 steps to get to the top. The following day we visited "The Mushrooms" in the Plaza de la Encarnación, was 3 Euro each to go up to the viewing platform, the views were much better than the tower with more room to walk around and less people, would recommend this option over the tower.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Jun 2019

Book in advance. It's a steady walk to the top via ramps and a few steps. Amazing views of Seville and the bells. Busy at the top, so be prepared to be patient to see the views.

4/5 - Good

Anne
29 May 2019

easy enough to climb because it's all ramps until you reach the 17 steps to the bell tower. Not particularly claustrophobic. A little disappointing at the top because of the number of tourists and queuing to get to the viewing points.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 May 2019

Expensive, but I went up years ago and there is a good view from the top, plus the walk up is different from any other Cathedral tower...

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Murillo
Hotel Murillo
2 out of 5
Calle Lope de Rueda, 7-9, Seville, Seville
Hotel Murillo
Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville
Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville
5 out of 5
San Fernando 2, Seville, Seville
Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville
Hotel Fernando III
Hotel Fernando III
4 out of 5
San Jose 21, Seville, Seville
Hotel Fernando III
Las Casas de la Juderia
Las Casas de la Juderia
4 out of 5
Calle Santa Maria La Blanca 5, Seville, Seville
Las Casas de la Juderia
Hotel Rey Alfonso X
Hotel Rey Alfonso X
4 out of 5
Calle Ximenez De Enciso, 35, Seville, Seville
Hotel Rey Alfonso X
Adriano Hotel
Adriano Hotel
3 out of 5
Calle Adriano 12, Seville, Seville
Adriano Hotel
Hotel Sevilla Center
Hotel Sevilla Center
4 out of 5
Avenida De La Buhaira, 24, Seville, Seville
Hotel Sevilla Center
EME Catedral Hotel
EME Catedral Hotel
5 out of 5
Calle Alemanes 27, Seville, Seville
EME Catedral Hotel
Melia Sevilla
Melia Sevilla
4 out of 5
Dr Pedro De Castro 1, Seville, Seville
Melia Sevilla
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.