🗺️ What to see in Seville: 35 top sights, opening hours and tickets

Seville packs more monuments into less space than almost any capital in Europe. A small patch of the old centre holds a cathedral with its tower, a royal palace and dozens of churches. The Alcázar alone will take you half a day.

We've picked the city's 35 top sights and added practical tips to each: how to get there, when to go and what to see first. The Royal Alcázar stays open until 7 pm from April to September (as of 09/2026, Alcázar website), so you have the evening to work with too.

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What to see in Seville

💡 In short:

Start with the cathedral and the Alcázar, the two most visited sites in the city.
Plaza de España and María Luisa Park are free and open at any time.
Plan half a day for the Alcázar and leave at least two days for the rest of the city.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, checked on the official website

The Guadalquivir river splits the city in two. The cathedral, the Alcázar and the city hall stand on the left bank, while Triana and its craft workshops spread across the right. The core of the route lies between them, and you can cover most of the stops on foot.

1. Seville Cathedral

Domes and rooftops of Seville Cathedral from above

Seville Cathedral is still the largest Gothic cathedral on the planet and one of the three biggest churches in the world (as of: Wikipedia). It was founded in the early 15th century on the site of a demolished mosque and took more than a hundred years to build. Inside you'll find a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish decoration: carved figures, canvases by Murillo and Morales, embossed copperwork and gilded Plateresque grilles.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus is one of the main draws. Four stone giants carry the sarcophagus on their shoulders, and they stand for the four kingdoms of Spain. Cardinal Cervantes, Alfonso the Wise and Pedro the Cruel are buried nearby. The incorrupt body of Fernando III is on display by the altar of the Virgen de los Reyes.

Nine doors lead into the church, and they are opened in turn depending on visitor numbers. Local guides call the monstrance by Arfe the master's finest work. Generations of artists worked on the stained glass, and these canvases of light count as a sight in their own right.

Book a ticket for Tuesday or Wednesday morning: the queues are shorter and the tour groups haven't arrived yet. In April an annual craft fair sets up in front of the entrance, where local artisans sell ceramics and jewellery.

The catch: during Holy Week and on the Feast of the Assumption the halls are packed to capacity and entry is by time slot.

2. La Giralda

Panorama of Seville with the river and bridges in the distance

La Giralda grew out of a minaret: the tower went up in the early 12th century under Arab rule, and for a hundred years it served as the largest observatory in Europe. Above seventy metres the work is by Christian builders, which is why the upper section reads as Spanish Renaissance. The name means "weathervane": in the 16th century a bronze statue of Faith was placed on top.

The bell tower terrace doubles as a viewing platform. The bells, cast five centuries ago, have survived to this day, and inside there is a permanent exhibition on medieval daily life. The way up is by ramps with no steps, so even someone with a pushchair can make it.

With the weathervane the tower stands over a hundred metres tall, so the whole historic centre and the course of the river open up from the top. Come in the first half of the day: by lunchtime the platform fills with groups and you can't squeeze through to the railings.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to see the city from above without a long climb.
The catch: at midday there is almost no shade on the terrace.

3. Torre del Oro

Facade of Seville city hall on a sunny day

The tower's name means "tower of gold". This twelve-sided Moorish structure was built to watch over the harbour and defend it, and a chain raised right in the water linked it to the opposite bank. This simple device could close the port to enemy ships within minutes.

Historians date the building of the towers to the early 13th century, and the twin on the other bank has not survived. The walls were once decorated with gilded tiles, and that is where the name is said to come from. Later the tower stored gold shipped from the Americas, and it has also served as a prison, a chapel and a port warehouse.

Local legends add some dark details: earthquakes and strange deaths during repairs are blamed on the curse of the plundered treasure. Today the tower houses the Naval Museum, and its collection of ship models, navigation instruments and antique weapons is considered one of the best in Spain.

Getting there: on foot along the riverfront from Plaza de España, the tower is visible from a long way off.
The catch: the tower stands by a busy road, so you won't find a quiet spot for photos here.

4. Alcázar palace

Patio de las Doncellas in the Alcázar palace in Seville

The Alcázar is considered the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, and a visit will take you half a day (as of: official website). From April to September it is open from 9:30 am to 7 pm, and from October to March it closes earlier, at 5 pm. Buy your ticket online and pick the earliest slot: by noon the queue stretches the full length of the wall.

You enter through the Lion Gate, with its coat of arms and scarlet ceramics. At the heart of the complex is the palace of Pedro I with its Throne Room, whose gilded wooden dome represents the infinity of the universe. Below it runs a frieze with portraits of Spanish monarchs. Next door is the Gothic residence of Charles V with its ceramic mosaics.

The Courtyard of the Maidens is known for its stucco, friezes and tiles. Royal peacocks still roam the gardens with their fountains, pavilions and lawns, and in April and May the air smells of orange blossom. Officially the complex remains a residence of the Spanish queen, so some rooms are closed to visitors.

Alcázar tours on GetYourGuide

Who it's for: anyone ready to give the palace and gardens half a day.
The catch: the free entry hours on Mondays draw enormous queues.

5. Plaza de España

Panorama of Plaza de España with the canal and tower

Plaza de España was built for the Ibero-American Exposition and instantly became the city's calling card. The semicircular building with its towers wraps around a canal, where you can take a rowing boat for a small fee. The mosaic panels along the walls are dedicated to each province of Spain.

The square is modest in diameter, around two hundred metres, yet it fits a fountain, a canal, balustrades and dozens of tiled benches. Its shape recalls an open book, and the bridges over the canal stand for the four historic kingdoms. It's an easy place to bring children: there is plenty of room and entry is free.

The pigeons here have no fear of people and will take food straight from your hand. It's best not to buy souvenirs from random street sellers: the same things cost less in the shops nearby. If you get hungry, lunch in the local restaurants comes to an average bill for the centre, and coffee is cheaper here than at the viewpoints.

Who it's for: anyone after a stroll with no tickets or queues, and the sunset here is the best in the city.
The catch: during the day there is almost no shade in the open space.

6. Metropol Parasol

Wooden mushroom-shaped canopies of Metropol Parasol in Seville

You'll find Metropol Parasol, or Las Setas, on Plaza de la Encarnación. Its giant latticed "parasols" of Finnish birch sit on massive columns and are considered the largest wooden structure in the world (as of: Seville tourist office). From outside the wings look light, while inside there are galleries, corridors and a rooftop walkway.

The story of the building began with the demolition of an old market: remains of Roman buildings were found beneath it. To preserve them the authorities held a competition, and the design by German architect Mayer-Hermann won. Construction was completed at the end of the first decade of the 21st century.

The complex is made up of separate parasol structures on columns, all linked together. The four-level structure rises almost thirty metres, runs one hundred and fifty metres long and spans seventy metres across. In effect it is a whole city block under one wooden roof.

Today the Archaeological Museum occupies the underground halls, the Central Market trades on the ground floor, and terraces and a concert space are open up top. The rooftop walkway has an entry fee, and sunset is the time to book: the city panorama and the curves of the Parasol itself look their best then.

Who it's for: anyone interested in both ancient ruins and modern architecture.
The catch: during the day there is almost no shade on the wooden walkway.

7. Archive of the Indies

Archive of the Indies building in Seville with palm trees and carriages

The Archive of the Indies holds a priceless collection of documents on the history of Seville and all of Spain. It keeps Christopher Columbus's ship's log, an official petition by Cervantes, Magellan's first maps and manuscripts by philosophers. The archive's materials tell of the conquistadors, of Spain's role in the fate of the Philippines and of many other events.

The documents let you trace city building plans and the country's true past. The holdings are vast, so they are shown selectively: the most valuable sheets go on display in rotation. To catch them, check the schedule of the rooms at the entrance.

The Renaissance building was designed by the architect de Herrera for the guild of Seville merchants. The story began in the second half of the 16th century, when King Philip II commissioned the design. Construction dragged on for fourteen years, and the interior was finished only in the following century.

Today the archive is free to visit, and you can see original manuscripts in the display cases. The building stands on Avenida de la Constitución, opposite the cathedral, and slots easily into a route around the centre.

Who it's for: anyone interested in the Age of Discovery.
The catch: the exhibition rooms are small and get cramped when groups come through.

8. City hall

Plateresque facade of Seville city hall with horse-drawn carriages

The city hall has been the seat of the city authorities since the first half of the 16th century. It was built in the purely Spanish Plateresque style, where the facades are covered in a pattern that looks like openwork lace. The occasion for building it was the royal wedding of Charles, ruler of Castile, and the Portuguese princess Isabella.

Almost the whole structure survives in its original form. A second grand entrance was added in the 19th century and is now considered the main one: the new entrance faces Plaza Nueva, the old one Plaza de San Francisco. Walk all the way around the building to take in the grotesque sculptures and the city's heraldic symbols.

The fine Plateresque carving is only visible up close, so take your time over the facade. Grotesque sculptures and coats of arms hide between the windows and in the arches. You can look at the city hall from outside at any time, but the only way in is with a guide and in a large group.

The catch: there are no individual tours, only shared groups.

9. Hospital of the Five Holy Wounds

Renaissance facade of the Hospital of the Five Wounds behind a fence

The Hospital of the Five Holy Wounds looks like a palace complex: a rectangular building with towers at the corners, an old garden, a maze of clipped hedges and benches to rest on. A wealthy Seville nobleman left his fortune to build a large hospital for the poor, and his will was carried out. Ten courtyards were laid out inside.

The main facade is decorated with stucco ornament, and the old church inside is considered a model of Baroque. For many years the poor and soldiers were treated here free of charge, with nuns from local convents serving as nurses.

After 1972 the complex stood empty for almost twenty years. Then came a restoration, and the renovated building became home to the parliament of Andalusia. That is why the halls can only be visited on weekdays when parliament is not sitting. The garden with its maze is more freely open, and it's a pleasant place to drop into along the way.

Who it's for: anyone after a quiet walk away from the tourist crowds.
The catch: some of the inner courtyards are closed to the public.

10. San Telmo palace

You'll recognise San Telmo palace by its long terracotta facade with its many windows. The style is unusual for Spain: Ultra-Baroque in a Mexican spirit. The building dates from the mid-18th century and first housed a naval school, later a university and then a seminary.

The central facade is adorned with ornate columns and atlas figures holding up a carved balcony. Below are statues symbolising the nautical sciences and sculptures of Seville's patron saints, among them Telmo, patron of sailors. Figures of distinguished citizens line the balustrade.

Today the building houses the regional government of Andalusia. Its chapel, with its lavish decoration, is also considered an Ultra-Baroque masterpiece. The facade looks especially good in morning light, when the shadows pick out every detail.

Getting there: the palace stands at the end of Avenida de la Constitución, right by the river.

11. María Luisa Park

Avenue in María Luisa Park with hedges and a pavilion

María Luisa Park was laid out in preparation for the Ibero-American Exposition. The land was a gift to the city from Queen María Luisa, and before the park the gardens of San Telmo stood here. Two pavilions from that time survive: today they house the Museum of Popular Arts and the Archaeological Museum.

Among the lawns, ponds and avenues, visitors wander past grand monuments to famous Spaniards. Rose gardens, fountains, orange trees in bloom and columnar cypresses make the park one of the most photogenic spots in the city. Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic motifs are woven through the landscape.

If you fancy a trip along the canal, boats are hired out at the main entrance and the rental runs all day. Families come here at weekends, so the central avenues get busy.

Who it's for: anyone after a slow walk in the shade on a hot day.
The catch: at weekends the main entrance is crowded and noisy.

12. Church of San Luis de los Franceses

Baroque church dome with frescoes and stucco

The Church of San Luis de los Franceses took about a hundred years to build, starting in the 17th century. Over time the building has belonged to the Jesuit order and served as a monastery, a seminary, a hospital and a hospice. Today it houses a museum and belongs to the city.

The church is built in the Baroque style. The authorities funded the restoration of the towers, columns and dome. The cross-shaped building never became a place of pilgrimage, but the artefacts kept here are valued by believers.

Restorers brought back the ceiling paintings, the carved decorative elements, the paintings and the figures of saints. The Ultra-Baroque altar is assembled from countless small details, yet it does not look heavy: all the parts come together as a single ensemble. The best time to visit is during the day, when light from the dome falls on the altar.

Who it's for: anyone interested in a Baroque altar and painting.

13. Murillo Gardens

Avenue in the Murillo Gardens with the Columbus monument

Locals call the Murillo Gardens a green paradise. The park is named after the painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and has been open to the public since the last century. The land once belonged to the royal castle, and today people stroll here among fountains and flower beds.

One of the park's main sights is the monument to Christopher Columbus. Its details are deeply symbolic: the lion stands for Spain, the two white columns for Europe and America, and the ship between them bears the names of the king and queen who financed the expedition.

The gardens are famous for their fountains. One of them is named after the Seville painter José García Ramos. Shady paths and ponds make the park a good place for a break in the heat, and the Archaeological Museum and María Luisa Park are close by.

Who it's for: anyone after a quiet rest away from the riverfront.

14. Murillo house museum

The Murillo house museum opened to visitors in the early 1970s, and ten years later it had become part of the popular tourist routes. The painter was born and died in Seville, and he spent his last years in this two-storey house on Calle Santa Teresa. The bedroom, living room and kitchen recreate the setting of the 17th century.

Aerial panorama of Seville and the Guadalquivir river

The museum holds a collection of the master's paintings and personal belongings. The central figure in his work is the Virgin Mary: Murillo gave her the features of native Andalusian women and chose his models from among ordinary people. For the time, that was a challenge to public taste.

The master produced around five hundred works, commissioned mostly by churches and monasteries. Works of mercy became the main theme of his art. The painter lived modestly and freed his slaves before his death.

The museum's collection is small but genuine: alongside the canvases it shows furniture and household objects of the period. Fate gave Murillo a happy family life, and his five children followed in their father's footsteps.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to see daily life in a Seville home and original canvases.

15. Maestranza bullring

Facade of the Maestranza bullring in Seville

The Maestranza is considered the most famous bullring in Spain. Work on the grand structure began in the 18th century, and construction stretched over almost one hundred and twenty years. The stands hold around fourteen thousand spectators, and a chapel and an infirmary stand next to the ring.

The season runs from spring to autumn. Since Franco's death, women bullfighters have been appearing in the ring again. A prayer in the chapel before the fight remains an essential part of the preparation. Monuments to famous bullfighters stand by the entrance, and there is a bullfighting museum inside.

The facade of the ring forms a thirty-sided polygon, and this is where the monument to the gypsy Carmen stands. On days without a fight, locals try not to bring up bullfighting more than necessary. Bullfighting in Seville is criticised by animal rights campaigners, so some visitors simply tour the ring and the museum without seeing a fight.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to see the architecture without the fight itself.
The catch: during events the area around the ring is noisy and crowded.

16. Royal Tobacco Factory

Facade of the Royal Tobacco Factory in Seville

The Royal Tobacco Factory is described as a monument of 18th-century industrial architecture. It was built by military engineers, and raw tobacco from the Americas was processed here by hand. Because of the toxic tobacco dust the works were placed outside the city wall, where they operated until the middle of the last century.

The factory went down in history as the workplace of Carmen, heroine of Prosper Mérimée's novella and Georges Bizet's opera. Today it houses the rector's office and several faculties of the University of Seville. Entry to the building is free, but tourists are asked not to disturb the students.

The factory's Baroque facade has survived almost unchanged. The arches, panels and paintings of the inner courtyard have come down to us in their original form. The interior layout was adjusted slightly when the university moved in, but the look of the courtyard stayed the same.

Getting there: the factory stands on Avenida de la Constitución, at the southern edge of the old town.

17. San Telmo bridge

San Telmo bridge over the Guadalquivir in Seville

The story of the San Telmo bridge began with a tender: Spanish and French architects submitted different designs for a crossing over the Guadalquivir. In the end the build turned into a tale of constant cost-cutting. The width was reduced to fifteen metres and the planned decoration was dropped.

The first tests were held in August, and that date filled the townspeople with superstitious dread. An unlucky fate was predicted for the bridge, and some of the predictions came true: upkeep and repairs drained the city budget for years.

At first it was a drawbridge, but by the middle of the last century the mechanism had worn out. After a major overhaul the bridge became fixed, and the spans were widened to eighteen metres. The pedestrian area remains, and you can take an unhurried walk along the river. The bridge gives a view of La Giralda and the Torre del Oro, so it's worth walking out here at sunset.

Who it's for: anyone after an evening walk along the Guadalquivir.

18. Church of Santa María la Blanca

Plaza Nueva in Seville with an equestrian statue

Santa María la Blanca has changed faiths several times: a mosque and then a synagogue stood on this spot before the building passed to the Catholic Church. Mystics call the site a place of power, and it's hard to argue with them: different communities were drawn to this exact spot.

Scholars give different dates for the building of the mosque, which became a synagogue in the mid-13th century. By the end of the 14th century the Church had taken over the building, after which the facade was rebuilt and the interior replanned.

Paradoxically, the mix of styles has given the building a harmony of its own. Bas-reliefs, stucco, columns and plant motifs let you study Gothic, Moorish art and Andalusian Baroque all at once. Works by Murillo and frescoes by unknown masters survive inside. Entry is free, but opening times depend on services, so check the notice at the entrance.

Who it's for: anyone who enjoys picking apart architectural layers.

19. La Adriática building

Neo-Moorish facade of La Adriática building with a striped dome

La Adriática building is a little over a hundred years old. It was put up by an insurance company during Spain's construction boom, and the name came from the firm. From outside the office block looks like a lavish palace: French eclecticism meets Seville's take on the Neo-Moorish style.

Towers, columns, balconies, stucco and arched elements come together as a single ensemble. Contrasting colours and a dome with a weathervane underline how unusual the building is.

The company financed similar buildings in various Spanish cities, and in every case the architects played up the character of the surrounding cityscape. Today the building is occupied by offices and banks and tourists are not allowed inside, but you can take in the facade and the dome from the street on your way to Plaza de España.

Who it's for: anyone who photographs not just monuments but the city's streetscape too.

20. Flamenco museum

Flamenco dancer performing in a patio with arches

The flamenco museum occupies an 18th-century house in the Santa Cruz quarter. It was founded by the dancer, choreographer and actress Cristina Hoyos, who was born in Seville. She created the museum to preserve the cultural heritage of Andalusia.

The collection gathers everything connected with flamenco: castanets, combs, women's dresses and men's costumes, portraits, sculptures and Hoyos's personal belongings. The building also serves as a cultural centre, with exhibition and rehearsal rooms, a concert space, a shop and a bar.

Dancers perform three times a day, and tickets for the show are always in short supply. That is why the management introduced seat reservations. Masterclasses and Spanish guitar lessons are held here too. Even without a ticket for the show it's worth dropping into the bar to listen to the guitar: this is where you feel the atmosphere of the quarter.

Flamenco shows in Seville on GetYourGuide

Who it's for: anyone after an evening of live flamenco with no language barrier.
The catch: seats for the popular evening shows are snapped up in advance.

21. Casa de Pilatos

Facade of Casa de Pilatos in Seville with an arch

Casa de Pilatos, or Pilate's House, never belonged to Pontius Pilate, though the name hints otherwise. It was built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, and its architecture blends Renaissance with the local variety of the Moorish style. The history of the house is tied to the Enríquez dynasty of the high nobility.

The direct lines of the family died out three hundred years after it was built, and the house remained as a memorial to the piety of its first owners. The next family died out as well. Today the building belongs to descendants of the Dukes of Medinaceli, who live here and fund its restoration.

Legend has it that the distance between the ruins of Pilate's real palace and Golgotha equals the distance between the Seville copy and the Cruz del Campo chapel. The annual Way of the Cross service starts from here, and the procession draws thousands of pilgrims. The palace is open to visitors, and its inner courtyards give a sense of how the nobility lived.

Who it's for: anyone drawn to legends and hidden courtyards.

22. Church of El Salvador

Seville city hall building on Plaza Nueva

Locals jokingly call El Salvador the church in hiding. It stands on the site of a Muslim mosque whose fragments became part of the foundations. Guidebooks give the address in different ways, so visitors look for the church with a map in hand.

Work on the city's second most important church began around the 16th century. Two hundred years later the architecture was altered, and almost nothing of the original decoration remains. The present exterior follows the canons of late Baroque, though Rococo touches can be made out in the decoration.

Inside, frescoes on biblical subjects, paintings by Murillo and sculptures by Montañés are beautifully preserved. Pilgrims come here to see works by the great masters, listen to organ music and attend Mass. Plan your visit for the morning: services are held during the day and access to the altar is restricted.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to see a parish church as well as the cathedral.

23. Palace of the Countess of Lebrija

The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is a 16th-century monument and at the same time an art museum with ancient and medieval exhibits. Separate rooms are given over to Oriental masterpieces, which is fitting for Seville, where echoes of Moorish rule can still be felt. The new palace quite literally grew into the decaying earlier building.

Patio with a Roman mosaic and Moorish arches

The palace's owner was one of the most educated women of her time. After her death in the 1930s the building passed through several owners among her relatives, and it only opened to the public in the early 21st century.

The interiors were put together over thirteen years, quite literally piece by piece: genuine ancient Roman mosaics, Etruscan ceramics, antique vases and furniture that belonged to the last king of France. Sections of flooring were brought from other palaces, ceiling panels from a medieval castle, skirting boards from a half-ruined monastery. Yet nothing feels haphazard: each room is designed as a single ensemble.

The rooms are best seen in the morning, before the groups arrive, and you can take a break in the shade of the garden. The collection is private, so visiting hours sometimes change.

Who it's for: anyone who loves private collections of antiques and furniture.

24. Casa de Salinas

Mudéjar patio with carved arches and columns

Casa de Salinas translates as "house of the Salinas family". Historians date it to the 16th century, after which the building changed hands many times and gradually fell into disrepair. In the early 19th century the Salinas dynasty faced the problem of repairing an architectural monument.

The house next to the royal palace fitted the ensemble perfectly, and it would have been a mistake to alter an exterior where Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance styles intertwine. The owners chose a costly restoration that stayed as close as possible to the original appearance, and the plan worked.

From outside the building looks austere: small windows and massive gates recall the days when every house became a fortress. Inside you'll find a world of pale tones, elegant decoration, wall paintings and tiles. Light comes from an inner courtyard with columns and open galleries. The house has a restaurant and hosts concerts. It's better to buy your ticket online: queues are shorter on weekdays, and the rooms fill up at weekends.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to see a lived-in house of the period and have dinner on the spot.

25. Basilica of Jesús del Gran Poder

The Basilica of Jesús del Gran Poder draws pilgrims from all over the world. It was built in the 1960s, and its Neo-Baroque facade looks toy-like next to Seville's other churches. The church has barely changed since it was built, and the credit goes to its parishioners.

Baroque portal of the basilica on Plaza de San Lorenzo

The church's chief relic is a sculpture of Christ made in the 17th century by the master Juan de Mesa. In candlelight the Saviour looks entirely lifelike. The sculptor lived only forty-four years, and almost all his works for churches became objects of veneration.

Services here never stopped, even in the hard years when natural disasters struck Andalusia. Locals compare the basilica to an island of calm in the stormy sea of everyday life. The church is small, so a visit takes little time and combines easily with a walk around the neighbourhood.

Who it's for: anyone after a quiet visit and an introduction to religious sculpture.

26. Alameda de Hércules

Alameda de Hércules with columns, trees and people

The Alameda de Hércules began as a promenade garden in the 17th century and later turned into a square. For three hundred years a dam stood nearby, which raised the groundwater and turned the area into marsh. The Count of Barajas paid for the land to be drained and for canals and fountains.

Trees were planted and columns erected, two of which are considered genuine ancient monuments. The columns are divided into southern and northern by compass direction: the former carry statues of Hercules and Julius Caesar, the others lions symbolising Spain and Andalusia.

Before the Civil War the square was a favourite haunt of aristocrats, and later it became one of the most dangerous parts of the city. After a renovation in the early 21st century it once again became a respectable place to relax, with bars, restaurants and live music. It is quieter during the day, while in the evening the lights come on and the summer terraces open.

Who it's for: anyone after an evening walk once the lights come on.
The catch: late in the evening the area stays noisy.

27. Church of San Lorenzo

Red facade and bell tower of the Church of San Lorenzo

You'll find the Church of San Lorenzo in the neighbourhood of the same name. It was founded around the 13th century and completed in the 14th, but the building work didn't end there: chapels were gradually added to the main structure. The result is an eclectic building where Baroque, Gothic and Moorish styles meet.

The church preserves frescoes whose authorship is disputed by historians. The story of the altar is a reminder of how ambition can bring a good cause to a halt: the first craftsmen refused to continue the work, and the church's opening was put off indefinitely.

The de Ribas dynasty of sculptors saved the day: they created an altar which, by local reckoning, has no equal in Spain. The church's chief object of veneration has never changed: the sculpture of San Lorenzo. Entry is free, but service times vary, so it's best to check on the spot.

Who it's for: anyone exploring parish churches off the tourist routes.

28. Barqueta bridge

White arched Barqueta bridge over the river

The Barqueta bridge links the banks of the Guadalquivir and leads from the old quarters to the theme parks and shopping centres. It is no ancient monument: assembly was completed in the early 1990s. According to specialists, the structure is exceptionally resistant to mechanical stress.

The bridge's arch is more than two hundred metres long. The structural elements were delivered by barge, and specialists then assembled the sections on site. This approach saved the city a substantial sum.

The pedestrian area opened first, followed by the traffic lanes. The bridge quickly became one of the city's calling cards and made its way onto the popular routes. It is lit up in the evenings, and it offers a panorama of the city.

Getting there: on foot from Triana along the riverfront.

29. Church of Santa Ana

The Church of Santa Ana was built on the orders of King Alfonso X of Castile. The ruler was miraculously cured of an eye disease in Seville and commanded that a church be built. Historians date the start of work to the second half of the 13th century, and a hundred years later a strong earthquake damaged the walls and roof.

Two centuries of restoration lay ahead for the Gothic building. The church was enlarged with new chapels, and a hundred years later another earthquake caused damage again, and the parishioners once more donated funds for the repairs. A new altar was installed later and restored with its original elements preserved.

The church is popularly known as the gypsy church, and many superstitions are attached to its furnishings. Women parishioners who are unlucky in love kick one of the tombstones seven times. Replacing the tiles and adding a metal grille has not put a stop to the ritual. The church stands in the heart of Triana, so it's easy to combine with a walk through the craft streets.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to see Triana along with its main church.

30. Triana ceramics museum

The Triana ceramics museum occupies the building of a former factory named after Santa Ana. Production fell into decline, and building new workshops on the old site proved uneconomical. Restorers gave the building a second life and brought back the kilns, the clay vats and the millstones.

Courtyard of the ceramics museum with a facade made of tubes

Local people painstakingly recreated the setting of a 16th-century ceramics workshop. Pottery was Triana's main trade, and today you can see here how the whole process works.

Modern technology produces more even pieces, but it can't replace handwork, whose beauty lies in natural shapes and colours. The two-storey museum building draws everyone with a passion for the history of pottery, and its popularity is growing. Working studios operate nearby, where you can watch potters at work.

Who it's for: anyone looking for handmade craft souvenirs.

31. Museum of Fine Arts

Baroque facade of the Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts occupies a former convent. The first Moorish-style buildings appeared here in the 13th century, and the Napoleonic Wars did not pass Seville by: the convent survived a fire, and some of its walls were completely destroyed. Restoring the main building and the convent church took about a quarter of a century.

Classical elements entered the decoration, and the inner courtyards and galleries were once again adorned with Seville ceramics. Specialists consider it a miracle that a tiled panel of the Virgin Mary, the work of skilled potters, survived.

Works on religious themes by local artists make up a large part of the collection. Masterpieces by Bilbao, Velázquez and Zurbarán hang in the galleries, and by the facade stands a monument to Murillo, whose paintings are also in the collection. The collection fills fourteen rooms and is considered one of the best in Spain.

Museum of Fine Arts tickets on Tiqets

Who it's for: anyone who wants to see paintings by Velázquez and Murillo in one place.
The catch: tickets for popular hours sell out in advance, so buy online.

32. Isla Mágica theme park

Entrance gate of the Isla Mágica park in Seville

Isla Mágica, the "Magic Island" park, has been open to the public since the late 1990s. The grounds are divided into eight areas with rides, cafés, restaurants, cinemas and show stages. There is also a huge number of fountains and ponds.

You don't need to travel to India, the Amazon or the Americas to get a feel for the cultures of different peoples: the rides create an atmosphere of adventure and introduce children and adults to wonders from overseas. The Children's Island and the El Dorado themed zone hold a special place.

The park is seasonal, so check the calendar and opening hours before you go. It has everything needed for children's parties and group outings. A full ticket pays off if you spend the whole day here: in half a day you won't get round even a third of the zones.

Who it's for: families with children, for a full day.

33. Hospital de los Venerables

The Hospital de los Venerables was built in the Baroque style in the 17th century. Over its history it has served various purposes, come close to demolition and kept on impressing even people with no interest in art. At first elderly priests lived out their days here: a brotherhood gave them shelter and medical care.

The building of the Church of San Fernando opened a new chapter in the hospital's chronicle. The church, with its lavish decoration, frescoes and relief figures, survives to this day, and the inner courtyard with its gallery has remained almost unchanged. Step into the courtyard: it is freely open and shows what the building looked like before restoration.

In the early 19th century the institution went through hard times: there were those who wanted to take the building for themselves. The dispute reached the royal palace, and only the intervention of the crown put things right. Today it is a cultural centre that hosts public events, and one of the rooms is devoted to the work of Velázquez.

Who it's for: anyone who wants a look inside a restored Baroque courtyard.

34. Monastery of Santa María de las Cuevas

Gate of the Cartuja monastery and a factory chimney

© The original uploader was Asterion at English Wikipedia . · CC BY-SAPhoto: The original uploader was Asterion at English Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5), Wikimedia Commons

The Monastery of Santa María de las Cuevas is seven centuries old and is a recognised national monument. In its buildings the Moorish style sits side by side with Gothic. Clay used to be dug on this site to make the famous Seville tiles, and an image of the Virgin was found in the caves.

The Napoleonic Wars left their mark here too: French soldiers turned the building into barracks and hunted for the monastery's treasures. Later the English merchant Pickman bought the decaying building and set up a ceramics factory in it.

At the end of the last century, heritage campaigners got the state to recognise the unique value of the monastery buildings. The factory was moved elsewhere, and a regional centre for contemporary art was installed within the walls of Santa María de las Cuevas. Entry to the exhibition rooms is free and the shows change from time to time, so check the current programme before you visit.

Who it's for: anyone interested in contemporary art within historic walls.

35. Basilica of La Macarena

Painted vault and gilded altar of the Basilica of La Macarena

The Basilica of La Macarena is among the best-known Catholic churches in Spain. This sumptuous Baroque church was built in the middle of the last century in the La Macarena district that shares its name. Its chief relic and mystery is the miracle-working image of the Virgin Mary, a sculpture with tears of rock crystal.

Historical chronicles make no mention of the statue's origins. Scholars suggest that a 17th-century master made it for a private patron. The basilica holds a collection of jewels: these are offerings from people who received help after praying before the miracle-working statue.

Services are held here and there is a museum. The annual Holy Week processions draw tens of thousands of pilgrims, for whom taking part is a form of penance. If your trip falls in Holy Week, arrive for the start of the procession: the crowds are huge, and it's best to claim your spot early.

Who it's for: anyone coming to Seville for Holy Week.

That is the end of the list of top sights, but there is more to the city than this. If you'd like to plan guided walks ahead of time, take a look at this selection of Seville tours.

Tours and tickets in Seville

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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Above are the most popular guided tours of the old town.

Seville's sights on the map

Open the map and plan your route: most of the places are within walking distance of each other. The cathedral, the Alcázar, the city hall and the Archive of the Indies stand close together, so they are easy to cover in one day. Triana and Isla Mágica are better seen separately, on a different day. You can start the route at the cathedral and finish on the riverfront by the Torre del Oro.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Seville?

Three days is enough for a comfortable visit. The first goes on the Alcázar with its gardens and the cathedral with La Giralda, the second on the centre, Plaza de España and María Luisa Park, the third on Triana and the riverfront. If you add Isla Mágica and the museums, allow four days and don't rush: the distances are short, but there is a lot to see.

Which costs more, the Alcázar or the cathedral?

Both charge for entry, and the exact prices change with the season. They are comparable in cost, so buy your tickets online in advance. That way you'll get in at a time that suits you and won't waste time queuing at the ticket office.

What can you see in Seville for free?

Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, the Murillo Gardens and the Alameda de Hércules are free. The Alcázar has free entry hours on Mondays, but the queues at that time are enormous. Entry to the Archive of the Indies, the Monastery of Santa María de las Cuevas and a number of churches is free as well.

How do you get from the airport to the centre?

A bus runs from Seville airport to the centre, and trains from Santa Justa station connect the city with the rest of Spain. From the bus stop you can walk to the cathedral and the Alcázar. A taxi or transfer is more convenient with suitcases, but the time saved is small.

When is the best time to visit Seville?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. In summer the heat makes sightseeing almost impossible at midday, and walks get moved to early morning. In winter the city is mild, but some viewpoints run on shorter hours. During Holy Week prices and queues hit their peak.

In brief: what's worth booking

If you have one day: the cathedral with La Giralda and the Alcázar, and leave the rest for next time.

If you have a weekend: add Plaza de España, María Luisa Park and a walk around Triana.

If you're travelling with children: Isla Mágica will take a whole day, and in the evening go to a flamenco show.

Accommodation in the centre goes fast, especially for Holy Week and in April. Find a hotel in Seville on Trip.com

35 top attractions in Seville: what to see and when