Seville Cathedral, which dates from the 15th century, is located in the city’s Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, on the site of the Gran Mezquita (Great Mosque) originally used by the retreating Moors, who had invaded Spain from North Africa in the eighth century AD. Originally, the mosque was simply converted into a cathedral, but in 1402 the chapter, or ruling body of the cathedral, began plans to construct ‘a church so large that everyone who sees it will think we are mad’. Builders retained the minaret and patio from the former mosque, and the cathedral they constructed remains the largest Gothic structure in the world. The main altarpiece, Retablo Mayor, is the largest altar in the world and features 45 scenes from the life of Christ, carved from wood by Pierre Dancart. The cathedral also houses the remains of the world-famous explorer, Christopher Columbus.

Cabildo Catedral de Sevilla, Avenida de la Consitución s/n, 41001 Seville, Spain
Tel: (0954) 563 150 or 563 321

Air: Seville Airport. Rail: Train: Santa Justa Station. Road: Bus: 32 to Plaza de la Incarnación, then on foot. Car: N-IV (from Madrid).

Spain, Sevilla