Attractions in Historic Centre (Sevilla)

Cathedral

It took almost 400 years to build Spain's largest church and the third biggest in the Christian world. Standing on the site of what was Seville's main mosque, one can still see elements of the Mudéjar style of art and late Gothic style architecture. Work began in the early 15th century, and by the time it was finished, it had five naves with a floor space measuring 116m x 76m. There is an astounding number of fine paintings and sculpture inside.

Giralda

Seville's most impressive building was originally a Moorish minaret, known as the Mohammedan minaret of La Giralda. It is attached to its adjacent mosque which was later converted into the cathedral bell tower with the addition of Renaissance-style balconies. It's well worth climbing to the top for some stunning views of the city.

Los Reales Alcázares

Muslim ruler Abd Ar Rahman III had this Mudéjar-style palace built in 913. The variety of tiles, ornamental arches, crafted wooden ceilings and geometric designs are a wonderful demonstration of Arabic interior design. The most impressive rooms are the Patio de Banderas with the Giralda Tower behind it, the Patio de las Doncellas and the Patio de la Montería. The Salón de los Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall) is especially ornate. The beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains outside it create a truly peaceful atmosphere. Social events, musical and theatrical performances are held here.

Casa de Pilatos

This wonderful old house in the center of the city is open to the the public all day. Its numerous rooms are full of antique furniture and collections of vases, plates and silverware spanning many different historical time periods. There's an important collection of paintings dating from the 16th-19th centuries as well. The Spanish Royal Family and sundry members of the aristocracy stay here when they come to Seville and the house closes on those days.

Iglesia de Santa María la Blanca

This mudéjar (form of Arabic art) style church located in the Jewish quarter (Judería) was erected in 1391; today, however, only the façade remains from this original construction. Rebuilt in the 17th century, it's one of the most beautiful churches of the Sevillian baroque period. The floor is comprised of three naves, divided by red marble columns. A rich decoration of baroque plaster work attributed to Pedro and Miguel Broja hides, according to some experts, the sole nave that the former sinagogue should really have. Among the many treasures found here are the paintings of La Sagrada Cena (The Holy Supper) by Murillo and Luis de Vargas' La Piedad (Pieta-Mother with Child)

Iglesia de San Lorenzo

Many famous craftsmen were responsible for building this church and it has been decorated inside with the work of many famous artists. The main chapel was designed by Diego López Bueno in the 18th century. The main altarpiece was designed by Martínez Montañes and contains sculptures by Felipe and Francisco Dionisio de Rivas. There are some of Francisco Pacheco's paintings in the tabernacle, but probably the most valuable artistic treasures are the mural painting of the "Virgen de Rocamador" and the alabaster sculpture of Our Lady of Carmen. The sacristy holds an excellent copy of Murillo's painting, "Charitas". The religious brotherhood called "Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus of the Great Power" were based here until 1965 when they moved to an adjacent church.

Iglesia de El Salvador

This church was built on the site of what was the main mosque in Seville in the times of Ibn Addabas during the 9th century. Remains of the original patio and the foot of the ancient tower can still be seen. The tower was later rebuilt and completed with bells by Leonardo de Figueroa in the 17th century. It has been an important and famous church for many centuries and is mentioned by Cervantes and other writers in their novels of city life. The interior is spacious and has a solemn atmosphere. The 18th century collection of altarpieces are impressive and feature work by Cayetano de Acosta and José Maestre. Make sure to leave through the 9th century Arab patio by the Amparo Chapel and enjoythe orange trees, fountains and columns. Mass Timings are 9:15a, 7p, 8p M-Sa, 11a, noon, 1p, 8p Sun & holidays.

La Capilla de la Universidad

This chapel is in the grounds of what used to be a tobacco factory, which, since the 19th century, has housed the Rector's office and some of the faculties of the University of Seville. The paintings and sculptures from the old university building were brought here. The chapel is the seat of the Brotherhood of the Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte and María Santísima de la Angustia, popularly known as Los Estudiantes (the students), which takes part in the processions on the Tuesday of Holy Week carrying its two statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The statue of Christ is an excellent work of art by Juan de Mesa made in 1620. In the same chapel a Renaissance statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen, a work by Astorga dating from the beginning of the 19th century. The baroque altarpiece and the paintings representing the Twelve Apostles are also of interest.Mass is conducted at 1:30p, 8p M & W-Sa, 1:30p, 8p & 8:30p Tu, noon & 1p Sundays & holidays

Iglesia de San Andrés

This church, built in the 15th century and completely remodelled in the 18th century, is the seat of the brotherhood commonly known as Los Panaderos (bakers), given that it was founded by an assocation of bakers in the late 16th century. This guild participates in Holy Week processions on Holy Wednesday. In the sacristy, a rich collection of inlaid boxes from the 17th century and by Francisco Pacheco is kept. Among the many valuable paintings, of special note are the Aparición de la Virgen a San Bernardo (Appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernard), by Juan de Roelas and a series on the Mysteries of the Rosary by Valdés Leal. In addition, of equal importance are the 'Virgin of the Rosary', attributed to Pedro Roldán, and the altarpiece of the Immaculate, with paintings by Alonso Vázquez and engravings by Gáspar Núñez Delgado.

Iglesia de San Ildefonso

This church, which was finished in 1841, is located just a few meters from the Casa de Pilatos. The most highly transcendental artistic work here is the mural painting of Our Lady of the Coral. It is said that the painting was named for a coral adornment that the Child Jesus wears around his neck. The churche's façade is flanked by two graceful baroque towers. In the Baptismal Chapel, you can admire some embossings by Montañés, and on a side altar, the figures of Pedro Roldán de San Hermenegildo y San Fernando, the two saints of royal blood that are linked to the history of Seville.

Iglesia de Santa Catalina

This church was formerly a mosque and still conserves an Arabic tower with bell exactly as it was in the time of the Moors. The Gothic style main door to the church once belonged to the Church of Saint Lucy (Saint Lucía) and was hung in its current spot in 1930. Behind this door there is a small atrium and another door with an enormous Arabic horseshoe arch. If you like ornate Baroque chapels you'll love the Sacramental Chapel here and Pedro de Campaña's Arrepentimiento de San Pedro. The image of the Exultant Christ is attributed to Pedro Roldán.

Iglesia del Sagrario

This chapel within the main body of the cathedral is a fine example of the transition of architectural styles - from late Mannerism to early baroque, shown most effectively in the classic and austere exterior. Miguel de Zumárraga, Alonso de Vandelvira and Cristobal de Rojas drew up the plans and building work was concluded in 1662. The main altarpiece is a real jewel created by Francisco Dionisio de Ribas. Pedro Roldán (Seville's most famous 17th century sculptor) produced the central scene of the Descent from the Cross and the collosal stone sculptures of church dignitaries were the work of Flemish sculptor, José de Arce in 1657. You can ask the parish priest for the key to the crypt that holds the skeletons of numerous clergymen that served here.