La Giralda is the bell tower beside Seville Cathedral, in the city’s Old Town. It began as the minaret of the mosque that stood on the site, and its design still shows its Moorish origins alongside later Christian additions. The climb follows broad ramps for most of the way, then a short flight of steps. At the top, look across the cathedral’s orange-tree courtyard and Seville’s rooftops, with landmarks such as the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España in view. Entry is included with the cathedral ticket.
From minaret to bell tower
La Giralda began as the minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville, built under the Almohad dynasty. The mosque once occupied the ground where Seville Cathedral now stands. After the building became a church, the minaret was retained and adapted as a bell tower. It is one of the few surviving parts of the former mosque, alongside the Patio de los Naranjos and the Puerta del Perdón.
The tower’s appearance records these changes. Its lower body preserves the earlier design, with detailed geometric decoration, while the upper section was added for the cathedral’s bells. A Renaissance lantern crowns the later addition. At the summit, the Giraldillo, a figure used as a weather vane, holds a shield and palm leaf. Its name is linked to the tower’s own name.
The ascent and the view
The route upwards is unusual: broad ramps carry you through most of the tower rather than a continuous run of stairs. They were built wide enough for a horse to travel up, allowing the person who made the call to prayer to reach the top on horseback. The modern climb ends with around 15 steps. Resting places along the way give you somewhere to pause before continuing.
From the top, the view takes in the cathedral and its courtyard of orange trees, as well as the surrounding Old Town. The Real Alcázar and Plaza de España are among the landmarks visible across Seville. The tower also makes a useful point from which to look over the city’s roofline and historic centre. For a view of the tower itself, its illumination can be seen from nearby viewpoints and from the banks of the Guadalquivir after dark.
Planning a visit with the cathedral
La Giralda stands beside Seville Cathedral, and access to the tower is included with the cathedral ticket. The two are commonly visited together: the cathedral occupies the former mosque site, while the tower preserves part of its earlier history. Allow time for the climb as well as the view at the top, and take a pause if you need one on the way up.
Queues can form at the cathedral, so booking ahead can help you avoid waiting to enter. An earlier visit is another way to reduce the chance of a queue. The main climb uses ramps, but the final steps mean the route is not entirely step-free. Once back at ground level, the Patio de los Naranjos offers a close view of the tower above its orange trees.
FAQ
Is La Giralda included with the Seville Cathedral ticket?
Yes. The cathedral ticket includes access to La Giralda.
How do you climb La Giralda?
Most of the route follows broad ramps, with about 15 steps at the end. There are resting spots along the way.
What can you see from the top of La Giralda?
The view includes Seville Cathedral, its orange-tree courtyard and city landmarks such as the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España.
When is a good time to visit La Giralda?
Go earlier in the day to reduce the chance of queuing. Booking ahead can also help you avoid waiting to enter.
