The biggest Gothic cathedral in Europe has breathtaking architecture at every turn, and is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.
Seville Cathedral, Catedral de Sevilla or the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See whatever you choose to call this behemoth of piousness, you can't fail to be overwhelmed. This is the third-largest church in the world, and the result of many a skilled craftsman.
The flamboyance of the cathedral is down to the fact it was built to flaunt Seville's wealth. It is said that those who commissioned it in the 15th century demanded: “Let us build a church so beautiful and so great that those who see it built will think we were mad.” Ten intricately carved porticoes lead into the cathedral. Enter by the Door of Saint Christopher, looking right as you do. Here, you will be greeted by the tomb of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. A representation of his casket is “carried” by four figures, each one illustrating a kingdom conquered by him.
Next, walk into the central nave. Completed in 1432, it is 42 metres high and covered in expensive gold gilding. Take the time to admire the choir loft and Pierre Dancart's altarpiece carvings depicting the life of Christ he spent the majority of his career perfecting these.
The cathedral has no less than 80 chapels. Although you aren’t likely to cover all of these, make sure you see the Chapel of Saint Anthony, which contains Bartolome Esteban Murillo's masterpiece “The Vision of Saint Anthony”.
Also venture into the cathedral's two main sacristies, in which you'll find further proof of Seville's riches, including impressive silverware as well as artwork by Goya.
Seville Cathedral is in Seville's Old Town, on the east bank of the Guadalquivir River. It's open daily, although Sunday services reduce access. There's a small entry fee, which also includes admittance to the adjoining Giralda bell tower.
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