Seville Cathedral: The Colossal Mountain of Gothic Stone

Why is it significant?

Stand in the center of Plaza del Triunfo and cast your eyes up the staggering vertical expanse of flying buttresses, stone pinnacles, and gargoyles of the Cathedral of Seville.

Key Facts

PlaceSeville Cathedral: The Colossal Mountain of Gothic Stone
AddressAvenida de la Constitución, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Geo Coordinates37.38570, -5.99310
Part of WalkImperial Seville: The Real Alcázar, Giralda, and Columbus's Tomb
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Stand in the center of Plaza del Triunfo and cast your eyes up the staggering vertical expanse of flying buttresses, stone pinnacles, and gargoyles of the Cathedral of Seville. Stretching an entire city block, this colossal structure is the largest Gothic church on the planet and boasts the highest nave in all of Spain.

In fourteen oh one, after an earthquake damaged the ancient Muslim mosque that occupied this site, the church chapter decided to undertake an audacious new cathedral. The chapter's legendary decree recorded: Let us build a church so immense and so magnificent that those who see it finished will think we were mad.

Inside stands the Retablo Mayor, the largest altarpiece in Christendom, carved from solid walnut with forty-four relief scenes completely covered in more than three tons of pure American gold leaf brought home by Spanish treasure galleons.

Walk to the northeastern corner to ascend the legendary ramps of the Giralda tower.

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