La Giralda (Guide + Tips)
La Giralda is a beautiful historic tower, a true symbol of Seville and definitely worth a visit! It was built between 1184 and 1198 as the minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville and is a great example of Almohad architecture. With its detailed brickwork and design, the tower easily stands out against Seville’s cityscape.
Architects Ahmad ibn Baso and ‘Alī de Ghomara built La Giralda under the rule of Caliph Abu Ya’qub Yusuf. After the Christian reconquest of Seville in 1248, the mosque became a cathedral, and the minaret turned into a bell tower. In the 16th century, a Renaissance-style belfry was added, making the tower taller and transforming the tower into Christian symbol. The Giraldillo, a bronze weather vane symbolizing faith, was placed on top in 1568. This change is one of the many example that shows how Seville’s architecture blends Islamic and Christian influences.
Visitors can climb La Giralda using 35 gently sloping ramps, originally built so people could ride horses to the top. This makes the climb easier than using stairs. At the top, visitors get amazing views of Seville, including the Cathedral and the city’s Centro.
key takeaways
- It’s worth visiting La Giralda Tower for its amazing views over the city.
- La Giralda is famous because originally built as a minaret for the mosque, La Giralda was later converted into the cathedral’s bell tower.
- You’ll need a ticket to climb La Giralda. A regular ticket also includes access to Seville Cathedral and San Salvador Church.
- Dress appropriately, no bare knees or shoulders!
Jump to
What is La Giralda Tower?
If you are in Seville, La Giralda is a must-see. Originally built as a minaret in the 12th century, this impressive tower stands over 300 feet (104 meters) tall. It was later converted into the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, making it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The lower section was constructed in the Arabic style, inspired by minarets loke those of Marrakesh and Rabat. During the Renaissance, architect Hernán Ruiz added the upper section, transforming it into a Christian bell tower. Today, La Giralda has 24 bells, each with its own name—the largest being Santa María Mayor. At the top, you’ll find the Giraldillo, a large female-shaped weather vane symbolizing the triumph of the Catholic faith. In fact, this is actually where the tower gets its name!
When Was La Giralda Built?
La Giralda’s history dates back over 800 years. The original minaret was built in 1172 as part of a mosque that once stood on the site. After an earthquake in 1356 destroyed the mosque, a new Gothic cathedral was constructed between 1434 and 1517, leaving only the tower and the courtyard from the original structure.
Climbing La Giralda
One of the most unique features of La Giralda is its 35 ramps leading to the top, rather than traditional stairs. These wide ramps were supposedly designed so that the sultan could ride his horse up to enjoy the view. (Fun fact: back when it was a minaret, the call to prayer was made on the back of a donkey.) Today, visitors make the climb on foot, with just a small flight of 17 steps at the very top.
The ascent takes about 15 minutes, even with stops for photos. The passage is narrow in some sections, and it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. But the effort is worth it! The views from the top are amazing. You’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Seville and find yourself spotting landmarks like the Real Alcázar, Plaza de España, and Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza. If you’re there are the right time, hearing the bells resonating through the city while at the top is an experience.
If you’re visiting Seville Cathedral, you can’t miss the chance to explore La Giralda. It’s a highlight of the city! For the best experience, consider joining a guided tour to learn more about its history and architectural significance.
Tickets and Opening hours
General entrance
- General Admission Ticket: 13.00€ to enter the Cathedral and La Giralda. Set aside about 75 minutes for your visit.
Online access through Puerta del Lagarto (Google Maps)
Ticket office access through Puerta del Príncipe (Google Maps)
Opening hours
From Monday to Saturday :
- 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM).
On Sundays :
- 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM).
Hotels with a View of La Giralda
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | EME Catedral Mercer Hotel | From € 205 / night |
| Luxury | Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla | From € 225 / night |
| Budget | Casa Alhaja by Shiadu | From € 107 / night |
| Budget | Hotel Fernando III | From € 110 / night |
Tips for visiting La Giralda
- You can’t visit Seville without seeing its cathedral. Tickets for the Cathedral and La Giralda are sold at the entrance, but the lines can be long. I always buy mine online in advance, so I’ve never had to wait. But people say the line can take up to 2 hours if you don’t book ahead.
- Climbing the Giralda Tower is one of the best ways to see Seville. If you’re also planning to visit Las Setas, I think it’s nice to do one at the start of your trip and the other at the end. I’d recommend Las Setas first and La Giralda as a grand finale.
- If you’re booking last minute and tickets are sold out online, don’t despair! Buy a ticket at Divino Salvador Church. It includes entry to the Cathedral and La Giralda and is valid for a few days. This way, you can visit without having to worry about the long lines!
