Cathedral of Sevilla and the Giralda

The size and grandeur of this cathedral are awesome! It is the largest gothic cathedral in the world, the largest cathedral and third largest Christian church in Spain with the longest nave in Spain and at a height of 42 metres one feels somewhat dwarfed standing in the centre of this magnificent building. We were so fortunate to see a double Christening taking place in one of the side chapels while we were there too.

Cathedral and Giralda



Cathedral facade:




The cathedral was built where a mosque once stood but the minaret (la Giralda) remains dominating the skyline. We climbed the 35 ramps (making a gentler ascent than stairs!) to the bell tower at the top of the 82 meter Giralda, catching glimpses of the spectacular views from windows as well as an interesting perspective of the gothic buttresses during the climb. Once at the top we had superb views across Sevilla and beyond, views of the Andalusian countryside and the river Gualdalquivir. We were well rewarded for our efforts in the climb.