Termed as the emblematic city of Spain, Seville bursts with structural grandeur, history, and a rich culture. The dominance of religious fraternities in the definition of Seville’s history is highlighted by its popular architecture, including the Seville Cathedral. If you are short of time, this is one of the things to do in one day in Seville.
Supposedly, the builder’s intention in constructing Seville Cathedral was to imprint a building so magnificent that “those who see it will think we are made.” This prospect is clearly amplified in the cathedral’s size, gold-weighted interiors, and artwork, a sight to behold.
Yet the Seville Cathedral has more riveting facts that will leave you enthralled. Read on for 5 most interesting facts about the Seville Cathedral.
The Cathedral’s Construction Lasted Over a Century
Originally designed as a site for an enormous mosque, the construction of Seville Cathedral’s foundation was initiated in 1404. The last phase of its construction took place in 1506, over a century later.
Word has it that when the plan of the cathedral was being drawn up, the elders suggested its creation to be too beautiful and big for anyone to believe. Exploring its structure and finishing, it is not a wonder that Seville Cathedral took over 1000 years to build.
It is the Third-Largest Church in the World
After surpassing the Hagia Sophia by size and volume, the Seville Cathedral became the world’s largest gothic cathedral in existence. It is also listed as the third-largest church after St. Peter’s Basilica of the Vatican and Brazil’s Basilica of Our Lady Aparecida.
Seville Cathedral features up to 80 side chapels with a capacity of hosting over 500 masses every day. The cathedral is estimated to have a sitting capacity of over 20,000 people.
Its Crowning Glory is the Tall Giralda Bell Tower
Initially built as a mosque minaret, the Giralda Bell Tower is the city’s most popular monument and the glory of the Seville Cathedral. Interestingly, the tower has 35 ramps traditionally designed for the sultan’s ease of riding to the top on horseback.
Additionally, as the name suggests, Giralda Bell Tower houses 24 bells, with the largest of them weighing approximately 1.5 tons.
The Outstanding Choir of the Cathedral has a Double-Body Organ
The interiors of the cathedral’s choir are built with two bodies that feature 117 wooden carved seats. The wood carvings of the seats are believed to have been made between the 15th and 16th centuries. Like most cathedrals, the Seville Cathedral choir is centrally positioned, bearing monstrous personification.
The Tomb of Christopher Columbus is Situated at the Seville Cathedral
The renowned Italian explorer Christopher Columbus died while on his voyage in Spain. Although initially buried in the Carthusian monastery, his remains had found their way across multiple localities, including Santo Domingo Cathedral and Cuba.
Upon return to Seville, Christopher Columbus’s remains were buried in a tomb installed at the cathedral’s entrance. Interestingly, there are several other tombs installed in Seville Cathedral, hosting the remains of various illustrious figures of the time.
Where to stay in Seville
Bustling with tourism and a fun lifestyle, the city of Seville has become home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Spain. Looking for a place to stay? Here is an outlook of one of the best hotels to stay in Seville.
Located a few kilometers from the capital, Catalonia Giralda is a 4-star hotel built for comfort, luxury, and entertainment. The hotel is surrounded by a commercial center and popular monumental sites, such as Casa de Pilatos, Barrio de Santa Cruz, and Indias Archive.
Catalonia Giralda is situated at the heart of the historic and shopping city of Seville, nestled around the famous neighborhood of Santa Cruz, one of the most famous neighborhoods in Seville. This means proximity to some of the world’s best beaches and off-shore breaks.
The hotel sits in a matchless locality, a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most popular tourist attraction sites, such as the Giralda Bell Tower of Seville Cathedral, from which the hotel’s name was coined.
Other famous sites within the hotel ‘s radius include the Real Alcázar, the Torre del Oro, the Plaza de España, María Luisa Park and the neighbourhood from Triana, next to Guadalquivir.
Moving to and from Catalonia Giralda is also made easier and faster, thanks to the Santa Justa high-speed train station located close to the hotel.
Seville has plenty of sceneries to showcase visiting tourists, and exploring the interesting facts about the Seville cathedral should be on your to-do list. Do not miss out on major highlights, such as the Giralda Bell Tower and the popular choir. The good thing is that hotels like Catalonia Giralda will make your exploration fun and cozier.
