Giralda

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The Giralda, the bell tower of the Catedral Santa María de la Sede, is the landmark of Seville and an architectural masterpiece that is part of the impressive church. The former minaret, built in the 12th century, reflects the rich history of the Almohad mosque and is today a symbol of cultural fusion in Seville. The climb up the Giralda not only offers a breathtaking view over the old town but also provides insight into the history that has shaped this landmark. From its Moorish origins to the Christian redesign, the Giralda is a reflection of the cultural diversity and religious evolution of Seville.

By Jessica Donev

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Tickets

Find here combination tickets for the cathedral and Giralda.

Seville: Cathedral and Giralda Tower Guided Tour and Tickets

4.6

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Seville Cathedral and Giralda: Skip-the-Line Ticket

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Seville Cathedral & Giralda: Skip The Line Ticket

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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Seville Cathedral and Giralda

4.2

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Tours

Looking for combination tours that make exploring Seville easier? You're in the right place!

Seville: Cathedral and Giralda Tower Guided Tour and Tickets

4.6

(1390)

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Seville: Alcázar and Cathedral Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

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Seville: Cathedral, Giralda & Alcazar Entry With Guided Tour

4.6

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Seville: Cathedral, Giralda, and Royal Alcázar Guided Tour

4.7

(5985)

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Specials

If you like to travel like a VIP, then you'll find the right offer here.

Cathedral, Alcazar and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets

4.6

(655)

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Alcázar, Cathedral and Giralda Tower pass and self-guided audio tour

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Oriental dinner with a view of the Giralda

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8 tips for visiting the Giralda

Giralda

Arrive early or go lateAs a landmark of the city, the Giralda is a tourist magnet. To avoid large crowds, it is recommended to visit shortly after opening or in the late afternoon before closing.

Giralda

Purchase tickets in advanceAs with many popular tourist attractions, it is advisable to purchase tickets for the Giralda in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket counters and to save time.

Comfortable shoesThe climb of the Giralda is done via a ramp, which is less steep than stairs, but can still be exhausting. Comfortable footwear is definitely advised for climbing the Giralda.

Enjoy the view - take a brief pauseAfter the ascent, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view. Once at the top, be sure to take some time to admire the city from different perspectives and to take photos.

Understand the historyThis impressive structure is rich in history. The tower was already built in the 12th century as a minaret for the Almohad mosque and was later converted for the cathedral. Only with enough information about the history of the Giralda one can understand its significance.

Use the audio guideThose who do not wish to familiarize themselves with the history of the Giralda in advance, can use the audio guide. This helps to learn more about the structure of the Giralda.

Rules of etiquetteThe Giralda is a religious and cultural symbol. Respectful dress and appropriate behavior are expected from visitors during their visit.

Purchase combination ticketsThe Giralda is connected to the Cathedral of Seville. It makes sense to buy a combination ticket to visit both attractions and save time and money. Thus, some tours of the Cathedral of Seville may also include entry into the Giralda.

Giralda

A piece of Spanish history

Giralda Christmas

In the winding alleys of Seville rises an architectural masterpiece that touches not only the sky but also the hearts of visitors – the Giralda. Originally built in the 12th century as a minaret for the Almohad mosque, the Giralda tells a fascinating story of cultural fusion and religious transformation that has endured through the centuries.

The Giralda represents the golden age of Moorish architecture in Spain. Its builders, Abu Iussuf Iakub, Ahmed ibn-Basso, and Ali al-Gomara designed the minaret as a pinnacle of Moorish engineering, with a helical ramp that allowed one to reach the summit on horseback. The fascinating combination of Moorish splendor and technique with later Christian additions makes the Giralda a prime example of architectural evolution.

In the 16th century, the Giralda was converted into a bell tower under the direction of architects like Hernán Ruiz II to serve the growing Christian community.Later, in the 18th century, under the direction of Fernando de Casas Novoa, a Baroque lantern was added to the dome.

Giralda

The Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral. It houses a total of 27 bells and a wooden ratchet. It is entirely built of brick and is partly clad with white and black marble. At the top of the tower, there is a 3.5 m (11,5 ft) high bronze statue named Giraldillo. El Giraldillo represents a woman in a tunic, with a palm branch in one hand and a flagpole with a cross on top, from which a war flag flutters, in the other hand. The Spanish word girar translates as 'to turn' or 'to revolve'. Since the statue rotates with the wind, this is also where the name Giralda comes from, as a designation for the entire tower.

Today, the ascent of the Giralda promises not only breathtaking views over the rooftops of the old town but also a unique lesson in architectural history. From the Moorish battlements to the Christian additions, the structures and details tell a story of cultural synthesis.

The Giralda stands as a symbol of the cultural diversity of Seville, where past and present meet in every corner. Its imposing exterior conveys an impression of the impressive craftsmanship of bygone times, while the interior recounts stories of faith, art, and architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I plan to visit the Giralda?

The duration of the visit depends on how extensively the visitor wishes to engage with the historically rich building. However, one should plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for a thorough exploration. Read more.

Are there any dress code requirements?

The Giralda is part of the Cathedral. Visitors should wear respectful attire. Shoulderless tops or short pants should be avoided. Read more.

Can I visit the Giralda at night?

Usually, the Giralda is open during the day. However, there are special events and times when night visits are possible. The official website always has the most current information about special opening hours. Read more.

Is the climb strenuous?

The spiral ramp makes the ascent less strenuous than climbing stairs. Most visitors find the climb manageable. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended. Read more.

General information

opening hours

During the summer months, the Giralda is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In the winter months, the opening hours are reduced to 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sundays, the Giralda is open from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. The bell tower is closed on holidays.

tickets

Adult admission costs €12. Reduced admission for pensioners over 65 years of age, students up to 25 years old, or disabled individuals from 33% is €7. Admission is free for locals or residents of the Archdiocese of Seville, children up to 13 years old accompanied by an adult, disabled individuals over 65%, and one companion, as well as unemployed individuals from the country.

address

Catedral de Santa María de la Sede
Av. de la Constitución, s/n
41004 Sevilla
Spain

how to get there

The bus lines C3, C4, and 21 stop near the Cathedral and the Giralda. The T1 tram also provides a good connection to the attraction. The metro station 'Puerta de Jerez' is also close to the Cathedral. Moreover, Seville is very bicycle-friendly. If visitors want to explore the city by bicycle, there are bike rental stations near the Giralda. In Seville's old town, parking and driving can be challenging. There are public car parks and parking spaces in the surrounding area. However, parking options in the streets of the old town are limited.

Written byJessica DonevJessica is the definition of Jack of all trades. When she wants to do something, she just does it. That's why Jessica is an event manager, professional dancer, trainer, content creator, speaker / presenter in training and much more. Having traveled the world a lot, she knows what's important when traveling and shares it with you here on TicketLens.

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