La Giralda Seville
Ascend the historic minaret-turned-bell tower for unparalleled panoramic views of Seville's stunning cityscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
La Giralda Seville
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the historic minaret-turned-bell tower for unparalleled panoramic views of Seville's stunning cityscape.
"The effort is richly rewarded with breathtaking views and a profound sense of Seville's historic soul."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot by booking tickets in advance online to avoid long queues and sold-out slots.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ramp climb is extensive; comfortable footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Giralda Bell Tower
Seville Cathedral
Ascend the iconic minaret-turned-bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Seville.
Seville Cathedral Interior
Seville Cathedral
Explore the immense Gothic cathedral, the largest in the world, with its stunning architecture and rich history.
Ramp Ascent
La Giralda
Experience the unique ramp system that allows for an easier climb, with resting spots along the way.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot by booking tickets in advance online to avoid long queues and sold-out slots. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ramp climb is extensive; comfortable footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
💧 Bring Water
Seville can get very hot, especially during summer. Stay hydrated during your climb.
🚶♀️ Consider Audio Guide
The audio guide for the cathedral and Giralda is highly recommended for historical context. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot by booking tickets in advance online to avoid long queues and sold-out slots. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ramp climb is extensive; comfortable footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
💧 Bring Water
Seville can get very hot, especially during summer. Stay hydrated during your climb.
🚶♀️ Consider Audio Guide
The audio guide for the cathedral and Giralda is highly recommended for historical context. +1
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are spectacular; don't forget your camera or phone!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from La Giralda and the majestic grandeur of Seville Cathedral. The unique ramp system is noted as a more manageable ascent than stairs, though it's still a significant climb. Some find the shared ascent/descent path crowded, and advise visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience. The heat can be a factor, making hydration and comfortable shoes essential.
"Majestic and timeless, Seville Cathedral and the Giralda offer an unforgettable experience. After admiring the vast Gothic interior, visitors face a demanding ascent. While the official description highlights ramps and a few steps, the full route — including upper levels and the rooftop perimeter — amounts to more than 300 steps. In Seville’s heat, it is wise to carry water, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid peak hours. The effort is richly rewarded with breathtaking views and a profound sense of Seville’s historic soul."
Ricardo Lopes
"Climbing the tower is optional on a visit to the cathedral. It's a sloped path - not stairs which helped make it feel easier. There are a lot of level window nooks with flat seating for when you need a break. It would say it's moderately steep, but doable, especially because there are opportunities to rest. The up/down traffic is on the same path which made it a bit crowded in places. But the view at the top is beautiful. The frequent windows did let in some fresh air and slight breeze, but it was pretty warm in early June about noon."
Kailey Parks
"A lovely experience. There are 37 floors which are accessed by walkways, this does take time, as people are coming up and down at the same time. The final part are about 12 steps to get out onto the tower. Here depending on what time of day you visit, can be packed shoulder to shoulder. The bells are impressive, there are lovely views despite the mesh wall ? You can walk around about 75% of the top. I am glad I did it but would try and go at a quieter time so I could enjoy it at a more relaxed pace. Some of the views going up are amazing."
Pauline C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Giralda is part of the Seville Cathedral, located in the heart of the city. You can easily reach it by walking from most central accommodations, or by taking a bus or tram to stops near the cathedral. Taxis are also readily available. +1
Parking in the historic center of Seville can be challenging and expensive. It's advisable to use public transport or walk. If driving, look for public parking garages like 'Mercado de la Encarnación' or 'Plaza de la Encarnación'.
Typically, tickets for La Giralda are combined with admission to Seville Cathedral. You cannot usually visit the tower separately.
Seville is a very walkable city, especially the historic center. For longer distances, consider the efficient bus system or the tram. Cycling is also popular, with bike rental services available. +1
Many visitors find Seville best explored on foot. If you're arriving by train, the Santa Justa station is well-connected to the city center via bus or taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but booking online through the official Seville Cathedral website is generally cheaper than purchasing at the counter. Expect to pay around €11-€15 for a standard ticket.
The official website of the Seville Cathedral (catedraldesevilla.es) is the primary place to buy tickets. It's strongly advised to book in advance as they often sell out. +1
Opening hours vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check the official Seville Cathedral website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While it's possible to get same-day tickets if they haven't sold out, it's risky. Many visitors report that tickets are sold out days or weeks in advance. Checking for midnight releases online is a strategy some users employ.
Information on discounts or free entry days is not widely advertised. It's best to check the official website for any special offers or resident discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ascent is via a series of ramps, designed for horses to carry up supplies. It's a continuous incline with occasional wider resting areas. There are over 300 ramps in total.
The climb itself can take around 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop. Allow extra time for exploring the cathedral and enjoying the views from the top.
From the top, you'll get stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Seville, including the Alcázar, Plaza de España, the Guadalquivir River, and the surrounding rooftops.
The ramp system makes it more accessible than stairs, but it is still a strenuous climb. Those with significant mobility issues may find it challenging. There are resting spots along the way.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. For the cathedral, ensure your shoulders are covered. Scarves are often available at the entrance if needed.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top are the main attraction. Look for unique angles of the city and the cathedral's architecture. The ramps themselves also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Seville Cathedral, but be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash in certain areas.
While you can take photos from the top, some areas might have mesh or bars, which can slightly obstruct views. Be mindful of other visitors when taking pictures.
Late afternoon during the golden hour offers beautiful light for cityscapes. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.
For iconic photos of La Giralda, consider viewpoints from nearby rooftops like La Terraza del EME or from Plaza del Triunfo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Inside the cathedral, the sheer size and grandeur can be impressive for kids. Point out interesting details like the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Consider an audio guide designed for younger audiences if available, or create your own scavenger hunt to keep them engaged.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, ensure you allocate enough time to fully explore both the cathedral and the tower. Consider packing your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices within the attraction. For a free panoramic view of La Giralda, head to rooftop bars like La Terraza del EME, though be mindful of drink prices.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles on the ramps, capturing the unique architectural lines and the play of light and shadow. From the ground, iconic shots of La Giralda against the Seville skyline can be found from Plaza del Triunfo or from rooftop terraces.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of La Giralda
The conversion involved adding a bell tower on top of the original minaret. This upper section, designed by Hernán Ruiz the Younger, features Gothic and Renaissance elements, including ornate carvings and a statue of Faith. The transition from Islamic minaret to Christian bell tower is a striking visual representation of Seville's layered history.
Visitors can still see remnants of its minaret past as they ascend via the ramps. The structure's ingenious design, with ramps instead of stairs, was intended to allow guards to patrol on horseback. This historical feature makes the climb both a physical and an educational experience, offering insights into medieval engineering and architectural adaptation.
Climbing La Giralda: What to Expect
As you climb, you'll pass numerous windows offering progressively stunning views of Seville. These windows also provide ventilation, which is a welcome relief, especially during warmer months. Take your time to pause at these viewpoints, catch your breath, and admire the unfolding cityscape.
Upon reaching the top, you'll find yourself in the bell chamber, surrounded by impressive bells. The final few steps lead to the open-air viewing platform, where you can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of the city. It's a rewarding experience that offers a unique perspective on Seville's historic heart.
La Giralda and Seville Cathedral: A Combined Visit
Inside the cathedral, marvel at its sheer scale, the intricate details of its chapels, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The vast nave and soaring ceilings create a sense of awe. After exploring the cathedral's interior, the climb up La Giralda offers a different, yet equally captivating, perspective on the city.
Many visitors recommend dedicating ample time to experience both. Splitting the visit, perhaps exploring the cathedral first and then ascending La Giralda, can make the experience more enjoyable. Consider the audio guides available for both sites to deepen your understanding of their historical significance.
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