Church of El Salvador, Seville - beige concrete building
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Church of El Salvador Seville

4.6
·12k reviews·Sevilla, Spain

A stunning Baroque church with a rich history, featuring an impressive interior and a fascinating crypt, often overlooked but highly rewarding.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Church of El Salvador, Seville - beige concrete building

Church of El Salvador Seville

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Baroque church with a rich history, featuring an impressive interior and a fascinating crypt, often overlooked but highly rewarding.

4.6
(12k reviews)

"It would most likely be much more remarkable and popular if it wouldn't be located meters away from Seville Cathedral and Giralda."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Skip Cathedral Lines

Buy Cathedral tickets at El Salvador church to bypass long queues and see a beautiful, quieter church.

✨ Don't Miss the Crypt

Explore the fascinating underground museum detailing the church's and city's history.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baroque Interior

Baroque Interior

Main Nave

Marvel at the rich decorations and intricate carvings, beautifully illuminated by stained glass.

Crypt & Archaeological Museum

Crypt & Archaeological Museum

Underneath the church

Discover layers of history, including Roman and mosque remnants, in a well-curated underground space.

Plaza del Salvador

Plaza del Salvador

Church exterior

Experience the vibrant heart of Seville from this bustling square, with church bells and lively terraces.

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Seville gets scorching hot in summer; spring or fall is ideal. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and the intense sun. Consider booking tickets online in advance, especially for the Cathedral, to save time.

Combined Tickets & Hidden Gems

Many visitors recommend buying tickets for the Seville Cathedral at the Church of El Salvador. This often allows you to skip the main Cathedral queue and explore the beautiful El Salvador church, which is frequently overlooked.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍊 5 things to do in Sevilla, Andalusía, Spain: • 🚣🏻 Rent a boat for 6€/30min or 10€/1hour and navigate to see Plaza de España from a new perspective. The prices are per boat and it can hold up to 4 people. • 🕌 Visit the spectacular Game of Thrones location ‘Real Alcázar’. This was definetly my favorite place, the gardens are filled with wisteria, lemon and orange trees and if you chose the month...
@sagelining
100.2K likes • 884K views

🎟️ Skip Cathedral Lines

Buy Cathedral tickets at El Salvador church to bypass long queues and see a beautiful, quieter church. Reddit+1

✨ Don't Miss the Crypt

Explore the fascinating underground museum detailing the church's and city's history. Reddit

How to spend the perfect 3 days in Seville 🇪🇸 Seville is one of the best cities to visit on a long weekend. With May bank holidays coming up, here is the perfect 3 days itinerary. 🏨 Hotel: we stayed at @radissoncollection Magdalena Plaza which was 10/10 for location, amenities and more. Our itinerary was around 2.5 days, but if you have more time, check out these places I didn’t have time to se...
@nospaceinmypassport
29.2K likes • 670.1K views
⛪️ 'Huellas de lo Sagrado' o el paso de los siglos por uno de los templos más icónicos de la ciudad. Una oferta cultural recomendable para visitar la Colegial del Divino Salvador. #reel #reelsinstagram #ElSalvador #Sevilla #Seville #destino
sevillaciudad
822 likes • 15.6K views

👗 Dress Modestly

Remember to cover your shoulders when visiting this sacred site. Reddit

📸 Rooftop Views

Some nearby accommodations offer rooftop terraces with stunning views of the bell tower. Instagram

A quick visual guide on where to go in Sevilla, Spain. Parque Maria Luisa, Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, Church of El Salvador all provide the backdrop for the annual La Feria de Abril, (The Sevilla Fair), held two weeks after Easter. For six days women dress in traditional flamenco, men in suits, and celebrate with loved ones. It was a blast to see people in such high spiri...
jaycorcoran
20 likes • 122 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Skip Cathedral Lines

Buy Cathedral tickets at El Salvador church to bypass long queues and see a beautiful, quieter church. Reddit+1

✨ Don't Miss the Crypt

Explore the fascinating underground museum detailing the church's and city's history. Reddit

👗 Dress Modestly

Remember to cover your shoulders when visiting this sacred site. Reddit

📸 Rooftop Views

Some nearby accommodations offer rooftop terraces with stunning views of the bell tower. Instagram

🗣️ Basic Spanish Helpful

While English is spoken, knowing a few phrases is polite and appreciated. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Church of El Salvador to be an impressive and often underrated Baroque treasure, offering a peaceful respite with a rich history. Its crypt, detailing layers of Roman and mosque history, is a particular highlight, and many appreciate the opportunity to purchase combined tickets here to bypass queues at the main Cathedral.

"This church (especially the museum underneath!) was really interesting. Don't skip the crypt/basement. There is a ton of seating in the church to rest your feet and it was peaceful. Remember to cover your shoulders if you are a woman."

Kailey Parks

"Impressive interior. Very rich decorations. Water spring underneath the church (in crypt). It would most likely be much more remarkable and popular if it wouldn't be located meters away from Seville Cathedral and Giralda. Think it's very underrated while it have a lot to offer simply because it was the main Seville church between regaining the city from Arabs till funds from America started to arrive, so Cathedral could be rebuilt into its today's shape. If you buy tickets for the Cathedral directly from their website, you won't have to pay for entry. If you done / are about to do guided tour of Cathedral and Giralda, then you'll have to pay 7€ to enter (I don't regret it at all)."

Aleksander Rok

"Wow! We visited this church after our cathedral visit since it was included in the ticket. What an amazing place, and there were very few other visitors. The intricate carvings are highlighted by colored lights from the stained glass that gradually moved across the walls and floors. There is a crypt area below that details the history of the city and the church which is well curated. Highly recommend!"

Patty Ellis

What People Like

Impressive Baroque interior
Fascinating crypt and museum
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be overlooked

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Church of El Salvador is centrally located in Seville's historic center, easily accessible by foot from many accommodations. It's a short walk from the Seville Cathedral and other major attractions. TikTokInstagram

Parking in the historic center of Seville can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if staying nearby. If driving, look for paid parking garages like 'Mercado de la Encarnación'. TikTok

Yes, several bus lines stop near Plaza del Salvador. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option from your location in Seville. TikTok

Absolutely! The church is situated in a very walkable part of Seville, perfect for exploring the old town on foot. TikTokInstagram

Seville is well-connected by high-speed train (AVE) to major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Seville Airport (SVQ) also offers international and domestic flights. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an admission fee for the Church of El Salvador. However, purchasing a combined ticket here often includes entry to the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, allowing you to skip the main Cathedral queue. Reddit+2

The price for a combined ticket that includes El Salvador, the Cathedral, and La Giralda is typically around 7-12 euros. It's best to check the official website or purchase on-site for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, this is a highly recommended tip! You can purchase tickets for the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda at the Church of El Salvador, which often helps you avoid the long lines at the Cathedral. Reddit+2

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the church is open daily. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays. Instagram

Yes, the Collegial Church of El Divino Salvador is often included in the Seville Tourist Card, which can offer access to multiple attractions and a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Instagram

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a stunning Baroque interior with rich decorations and intricate carvings. Don't miss the peaceful seating areas and the impressive stained-glass lighting. Reddit+1

Yes, the church has a crypt and an archaeological museum beneath it, showcasing remnants of earlier Roman and mosque structures, offering a deep dive into the city's history. Reddit+1

Compared to the Seville Cathedral, El Salvador is generally much quieter, offering a more peaceful experience. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can further reduce crowds. Reddit+1

The main church area is generally accessible. However, the crypt may have limited accessibility. It's best to inquire directly about specific needs. Reddit

It was the main church in Seville between the Christian reconquest and the rebuilding of the Cathedral, holding significant historical importance. It's also known for its beautiful Baroque architecture. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the church, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography, especially during services. Instagram

The main altar and the intricate carvings are stunning. The crypt also offers unique photographic opportunities. The exterior view from Plaza del Salvador is also picturesque. Instagram

Yes, the stained-glass windows provide beautiful, dynamic natural light that moves across the interior, creating unique photographic effects. Reddit

If you're staying in accommodation with a rooftop terrace overlooking the church, you can capture beautiful shots of the bell tower, especially at sunrise. Instagram

Given the varied lighting, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. Experiment with aperture to capture the detail of the carvings. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Church of El Salvador offers a more manageable and less overwhelming experience for families compared to the massive Seville Cathedral. The crypt's archaeological displays can be particularly engaging for curious young minds, offering a tangible connection to history. The church's relatively peaceful atmosphere also provides a good spot for a brief rest. Reddit+1

Consider purchasing the combined ticket at El Salvador to avoid long queues, which is always a plus when traveling with children. The vibrant square outside, Plaza del Salvador, is a lively spot where kids can enjoy the atmosphere while parents grab a coffee. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the combined ticket option at the Church of El Salvador is a fantastic deal. It provides access to multiple major attractions for a single, reasonable price, often cheaper than buying individual tickets. Reddit+2

This strategy also saves money on potential skip-the-line passes or tours that might be more expensive. Exploring the church itself is a rewarding experience that doesn't require an additional fee if you're already purchasing the combined ticket. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Church of El Salvador offers unique photographic opportunities. The Baroque interior, with its detailed carvings and dynamic stained-glass lighting, provides a rich subject matter. The crypt offers a more atmospheric and historical perspective. Reddit

For stunning exterior shots, the surrounding Plaza del Salvador is ideal, especially during the lively hours. Some nearby accommodations even boast rooftop terraces with direct views of the church's bell tower, perfect for capturing sunrise or sunset. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Historical Crossroads: From Mosque to Baroque Masterpiece

The Church of El Salvador in Seville boasts a rich and layered history, reflecting the city's diverse past. Originally a mosque, it was later transformed into a Roman Catholic church. This transition is evident in its foundations and archaeological layers, particularly visible in the crypt. The current structure is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, showcasing opulent decorations and a grand nave that draws the eye upwards. Its historical significance is underscored by the fact that it served as Seville's main church for a period before the current Cathedral was fully established. Reddit+1

Visitors often remark on the church's impressive interior, highlighting the intricate carvings and the way colored light from the stained-glass windows moves across the walls and floors. The crypt beneath the church is a particular draw, offering a well-curated glimpse into the city's past, with remnants of earlier structures. This underground museum provides a fascinating contrast to the grandeur above, revealing the deep historical roots of the site. Reddit

Many travelers find the Church of El Salvador to be an underrated gem, especially given its proximity to the much larger Seville Cathedral. Its relative quietness compared to its famous neighbor makes it a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and exploration. The experience is often enhanced by the inclusion of El Salvador in combined tickets for the Cathedral, making it an accessible and rewarding addition to any Seville itinerary. Reddit+1

The El Salvador Ticket Hack: Saving Time and Money

A recurring tip from travelers and locals alike is to leverage the Church of El Salvador for visiting the Seville Cathedral. Instead of queuing at the Cathedral's main entrance, which can be notoriously long, purchasing your combined ticket at El Salvador is a smart move. This strategy not only saves you valuable time but also allows you to explore the beautiful El Salvador church itself, which many find to be a delightful and often overlooked experience. Reddit+2

The combined ticket typically grants access to El Salvador, the Seville Cathedral, and La Giralda tower. This offers excellent value, as you get to experience multiple iconic landmarks with a single purchase. The ticket purchased at El Salvador often allows you to enter the Cathedral through a different, less crowded entrance, further enhancing your visit. Reddit+1

This 'ticket hack' is frequently shared on Reddit and other travel forums, highlighting its effectiveness. It's a practical piece of advice that can significantly improve your Seville sightseeing experience, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the city's rich history and architecture. Reddit+2

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