Best tips for the Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville

The Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville

Visit the best of historic Seville in half-a-day — The Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda Tower of Seville, Spain.

The Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville are three very popular attractions in the Andalusian capital city that commands a rich flow of visitors every year. Therefore, long queues are expected on any given day.

Visiting tips for the Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville

The Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville can be explored independently by purchasing individual tickets to each attraction. However, the need for a guidebook may be compelling to appreciate the mind-blowing architecture, the historic journeys, and the marriage of cultures that are evident in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the other hand, the combination ticket to visit the Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville is the Best Seller, offer great value and comes with a professional guide.

Note: Tickets sell-out during peak times. Avoid disappointments and guarantee your entrance by pre-booking online.

Here is a little about each of the historic sites that the Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville event covers:

Seville Alcazar

Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville

Seville Alcazar is an exceptional architecturally treasured palace complex with remnants dating back to the 12th century, when the Almohad were rulers of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain. Showcasing a distinguished style of Moorish and Christian architecture, this grand palace is a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1987 and is the oldest palace in Europe still used by the present royal family when they visit Seville. This rich cultural heritage in the Andalusian capital is a prime example of where history, culture and styles of ancient civilisations in Seville come together. Due to its uniqueness, the Alcazar has been the filming location for several movies including the popular series of “Game of Thrones.”

The Alcazar in Seville is a top visitor attraction in Andalusia, and in Spain. A rich flow of visitors every year spend hours admiring the Mudéjar architecture of beautiful rooms, magical courtyards and the lush colourful gardens to be inspired by the oasis of calm that surrounds the palace. Therefore, long queues for entry at any given time is not surprising. In addition, they have a visitor limit of 750 a day which means there is a chance you may not access the palace even if you had been in the queue for hours. The best tip to avoid disappointment is to pre-book online for a guided tour with priority entrance or skip-the-line ticket.

Seville Cathedral

The Seville Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its cultural and historic importance. This glorious monument is the world’s largest Roman Catholic of Gothic style and its sheer size awes visitors almost immediately as they set sight. Seville Cathedral stands as a symbol of the Christians reconquest over the Moors. It was built on the site of a 12th century Great Mosque, over a course of more than a century, from 1401 through to 1506.

There are many highlights within the Seville Cathedral. The unmissable majestic sight must surely be the thirty metre tall altarpiece that is gilded in finest gold. Gold was brought back from the New World during the age of Christopher Columbus.

Another main attraction for visitors is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus himself. The tomb is held aloft by four bearers, representing the four kingdoms of Spain during Columbus’ time — Castille, Aragon, Navara and Leon.

The Great Chapel and Charter House are also compelling sites to spend some time on.

Read about the largest Gothic Cathedral in the World before your visit.

Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville

The Giralda

The Giralda is the Bell Tower of Seville Cathedral and is a World Heritage Site of Seville. This magnificent icon was built in 1195 as the minaret of Aljima Mosque. The Giralda reflect a rich fusion of Moorish, Roman Hispalis and Latin epigraphs interweaved perfectly in its architecture.

The Giralda Tower stands at 103 metres, giving sweeping views of the city of Seville from its platform. It also has 24 bells. The Tower has no stairs or lifts. There are 34 ramps, and the climb is not for the faint-hearted.

Learn more about the historic bell tower in Seville.

About the recommended tour: The Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda of Seville

Enjoy a visit to three of the most popular attractions in Seville historic centre in one tour which could easily fill half a day. In this tour: The Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda is likely to sell out in peak times, so pre-book online as soon as you know your travel plans.

What to expect in the Alcazar and Cathedral + Giralda tour

1 | Skip-the-line access to all three monuments;

2 | A professional guide;

3 | Learn the history, the many stories and inside scoop which only the locals know about the monuments and Seville city from your knowledgeable guide;

4 | Explore the Alcazar, one of oldest functioning palaces in Europe;

5 | Opt for either a small-group or private guided experience;

6 | Tour duration is 3 hours;

7 | Mobile ticketing;

8 | Safety and health measures apply.

Georgina suggests: Take a bottle of water with you. You will definitely need it at the Giralda.

Pre-book Online. Check availability for the Alcazar and Cathedral tour with your preferred tour operator:

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