La Giralda Seville — About, History, Tours & Visitor Info (2025)
Discover La Giralda, Seville’s iconic bell tower rising above the Cathedral and the old Jewish quarter. Learn how this former Almohad minaret became a Renaissance bell tower, what to expect when you climb its ramps, and how to combine your visit with top-rated Cathedral and Alcázar tours.
About La Giralda, Seville
La Giralda is the bell tower of Seville Cathedral and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Spain. Originally built as the minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville in the 12th century, it later became a Christian bell tower after the Reconquista, crowned with Renaissance additions and the famous Giraldillo weather vane.
Today La Giralda stands at around 104 meters tall and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site together with Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcázar. From its terrace you get wide, open views of orange-tree courtyards, tiled rooftops, and the winding streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Why La Giralda Is Special
Unlike many towers, La Giralda uses ramps instead of stairs. The original design allowed riders on horseback to ascend the minaret, and those gently sloping ramps still make the climb more comfortable than a tight spiral staircase.
- Blends Islamic Almohad architecture with Spanish Renaissance style.
- Part of Seville’s Cathedral complex, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
- Offers panoramic views of Seville, the Guadalquivir River, and the Barrio Santa Cruz.
Where It Fits in Your Seville Trip
La Giralda stands in the heart of the historic center, right beside Seville Cathedral and a short walk from the Real Alcázar, Plaza de San Francisco, and Santa Cruz.
Smart combo: Visit the Cathedral and climb La Giralda in the morning, then explore the Real Alcázar and its gardens in the afternoon, finishing with tapas in the narrow streets of Santa Cruz.
Brief History & Timeline of La Giralda
La Giralda’s story mirrors Seville’s history: from Islamic capital to Christian city and imperial port. A short timeline helps you understand what you’re seeing when you look up at the tower.
- 12th century (Almohad period) — Construction begins on the minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville. Inspired by the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, the tower is built with ramped passages and elegant brickwork.
- 1198 — The original minaret, topped with copper spheres, is largely completed. It becomes a symbol of Almohad Seville and an important call-to-prayer tower for the city.
- 1248 — Christian forces conquer Seville. The mosque is transformed into a cathedral, and the minaret is preserved and adapted rather than demolished.
- 14th–15th centuries — The old mosque is gradually replaced by the current Gothic cathedral. La Giralda survives as a freestanding bell tower attached to the new church.
- 16th century — Earthquakes damage the old copper spheres. A new Renaissance belfry is added on top, along with the bronze statue of Faith known as El Giraldillo, which gives the tower its name (“the turning one”).
- 19th–20th centuries — Restoration and conservation campaigns protect the tower’s brickwork, decorative panels, and bells as Seville grows into a major tourist city.
- Today — La Giralda is one of Seville’s most visited monuments, welcoming visitors who climb its ramps for sweeping city views.
Look closely: The lower part of the tower, with its patterned brick and horseshoe arches, belongs to the original minaret, while the upper levels and bell chamber reflect Renaissance design and Christian symbolism.
Tickets, Tours & Experiences Including La Giralda
Most visitors see La Giralda as part of a combined ticket or guided tour with Seville Cathedral and often the Real Alcázar. Here are some popular options (via GetYourGuide) to help you plan:
Cathedral & La Giralda Entry Ticket
Get a timed ticket to Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, then explore at your own pace. Visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, see Columbus’ tomb, and climb the ramps of La Giralda for city views.
Guided Tour of Cathedral & Giralda Tower
Join a guided tour that explains the art, architecture, and stories of both the Cathedral and La Giralda. Skip the ticket line, hear the history behind the tower, then climb up with your guide’s context in mind.
Alcázar, Cathedral & Giralda Skip-the-Line Tour
See the “big three” of Seville in one go: the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and La Giralda. This skip-the-line tour is ideal if you have one full day and want a deep but efficient overview of the city’s must-see monuments.
Priority Access Small-Group Tour
Prefer a small group? This tour gives priority access to the Cathedral, La Giralda and the Alcázar, with more time to ask questions and enjoy a closer guide–guest experience.
Cathedral & Giralda Ticket with Audio Guide
If you like to explore on your own but still want context, choose a ticket with a mobile audio guide. Wander through the Cathedral and climb La Giralda with commentary in your ear rather than in a group.
From Córdoba: Seville Day Trip with Cathedral Tour
Staying in Córdoba? Take a day trip to Seville that includes a guided Cathedral visit and time to climb La Giralda. A good choice if you want to see the city’s highlights without organising your own transport.
Flexibility tip: Many of these tickets and tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, which is useful if you’re watching the weather or planning around other activities.
What You’ll Experience at La Giralda
The Climb Up the Ramps
The ascent to La Giralda’s viewing platform is via around 35 ramps plus a short staircase at the top. The ramps are wide and gently sloping, so you can walk at your own pace and stop at windows to peek out over the rooftops as you climb.
- Gradual ramps instead of steep spiral stairs.
- Small lookout windows with glimpses of Seville as you go up.
- A bell chamber with huge bronze bells and close-up views of the tower’s details.
- A terrace with 360° views over Seville’s historic center.
Views & Details to Look For
At the top, take a few minutes to identify Seville’s landmarks and study the tower itself. The mix of Islamic and Christian details tells you a lot about the city’s past.
- Look toward the Real Alcázar and its gardens, with the Cathedral roof in the foreground.
- Follow the Guadalquivir River and spot bridges, the Torre del Oro, and Triana.
- Notice the brick patterns, arches, and decorative panels that survive from the original minaret.
Tip: Take photos, but also put your phone away for a minute to simply enjoy the breeze, the bells, and the skyline. The sense of height and history is part of the experience.
Insider Tips for Visiting La Giralda
Best Time to Climb
Mornings and late afternoons are usually more comfortable, especially in warmer months. Midday climbs can be hot and busier, particularly in spring and autumn high season.
Fitness & Accessibility
The ramps make La Giralda easier than many tower climbs, but it’s still a steady ascent. Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks by the window openings. Visitors with serious mobility issues may find the climb challenging, even with ramps.
Photography & Etiquette
The interior of the Cathedral and the tower can be crowded. Move aside if you stop to take photos, and keep voices low out of respect for worshippers. Flash photography may be restricted in some areas.
How Long You Need
For most visitors, allow about 60–90 minutes for the Cathedral and La Giralda together. If you like reading information panels, using an audio guide, or taking lots of photos, plan on 2 hours.
Visitor Cheatsheet — La Giralda & Seville Cathedral
Location
La Giralda stands beside Seville Cathedral in the historic center, a short walk from the Real Alcázar and the narrow lanes of the Santa Cruz and Arenal neighborhoods.
Tickets & Time Slots
You’ll usually visit La Giralda with a combined Cathedral ticket. Timed entry helps manage crowds, so it’s best to book a slot in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
Dress Code & Bags
The Cathedral is an active place of worship, so modest clothing is appreciated (shoulders covered is a good guideline). Large backpacks and bulky items may need to be checked.
Weather & Heat
The tower is mostly enclosed but can feel warm on hot days. Bring water, especially in summer, and consider climbing earlier or later in the day to avoid peak heat.
Combining with Other Sights
Most itineraries pair La Giralda with the Real Alcázar either before or after. From the Cathedral area you can also easily walk to Plaza de España, the Archivo de Indias, and the riverside.
Guided or Self-Guided?
First-time visitors often appreciate a guided tour for the history, then come back on a different trip with a simple entry ticket or audio guide to explore at their own pace.
Ready to Plan Your La Giralda Visit in Seville?
Choose a Cathedral & La Giralda ticket or a combo tour with the Real Alcázar, secure your time slot, and enjoy one of Seville’s most iconic viewpoints in 2025.