10 Best Monuments in Seville
If you are planning a trip to the capital of Andalusia it is important to know which monuments and places are a must on a tour.
Seville mushrooms | ©Javier Gonzalez
One of the best things you can see and do in Seville is a tour of the monuments of the city. I personally consider this one of the best ways to do sightseeing in Seville and to be able to connect with its past and cultural evolution.
Below, I tell you everything you should know about the most outstanding monuments of the city; from squares to palaces, through public buildings and religious temples. Seville is a city full of charm so enjoy it!
1. Seville Cathedral and the Giralda
The Cathedral of Seville is the most important religious building in the city and the largest Gothic monument in the world. Built on the remains of an ancient mosque, a visit to tour the spaces of the Cathedral is a must on any visit to the Andalusian capital.
For its part, the Giralda is the most iconic monument of Seville, present in postcards and book covers that talk about the city. It is one of the most visited monuments by tourists, because from the top of your bell tower you can get wonderful views of the entire historic center.
Where it is and how to get there
Located in Avenida de la Constitución, in the heart of the old town of Seville. You can get there using the metro (line 1) to Puerta de Jeréz station. You can also take the streetcar and get off at the neighboring Archivo de Indias.
Useful information about Seville
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm; Sundays until 6 pm and Mondays until 3:30 pm. During the summer months in Seville is open to the public in extended hours.
- Price: From 11 from 9 € the adult entrance ticket.
2. Royal Alcazar of Seville
The palace shows remnants of the Mudejar style, a unique architectural style in Andalusia that mixes influences of European Renaissance architecture with the uniqueness, character and aesthetics of Muslim architecture.
Due to these characteristics it is not surprising that the Alcázar of Seville is one of the most visited attractions in the city.
It is also one of the oldest and best preserved palaces in the world and one of the essential visits in any tour of Seville.
Where it is and how to get there
The Palace is located in what is known as the Patio de Banderas, in the historic center of Seville.
If you want to get by metro to this area of the city you can do it through line 1, the nearest station is Puerta de Jerez or, if you prefer, take the streetcar and get off at the Archivo de Indias.
Useful information
- Hours: The palace is open to the public from Monday to Sunday, between the months of October and March from 09:30h to 18:00h and in the months of April to September in extended hours until 20:00h.
- Price: The adult entrance ticket is around 15 € on average.
3. Triana Bridge
The bridge that connects the old town of Seville with the popular and beautiful neighborhood of Triana was declared a historical monument in 1976.
A visit to the Triana neighborhood across the bridge is a must for all first-time visitors to the city who want to be amazed by its charm.
Where it is and how to get there
Located between the old part of Seville and Triana, the easiest way to get to this area of the city is walking or taking the bus from Seville. In the latter case, my advice is to get off at the stop located right in front of the Plaza de Toros and walk for about 5 minutes following the river bank.
Useful information about the bridge
- Hours: Always open.
- Price: Free of charge.
4. Golden Tower
This ancient stone tower was built next to the Guadalquivir River as a defensive element against enemy ships. Its name is due to the fact that in other times it was covered with small tiles that, in the sunlight, emitted a golden reflection in the distance.
This place offers some of the best views of Seville and also houses the Naval Museum.
Where it is and how to get there
Located on the Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, you can reach this area of the city using the Seville metro (line 1) or the public bus service (lines 3, 15, 31 and 21).
Useful information about Triana
- Hours: The lookout tower and the museum are open all year round. Monday to Friday from 09:30h to 18:45h and weekends from 10:30h to 18:45h.
- Price: Available from 3€ for an adult ticket; the attraction is free for children under 6 years old and free for all public only on Mondays.
5. Pilatos House
Exhibiting a clear mixture of Mudejar art and Renaissance style, the Casa de Pilatos and its courtyard-gardens is the perfect prototype of the Andalusian palace, a clear evidence of how the mixture of architectural styles is part of the hallmark of the city.
The work is beautifully preserved, so if you have two or three days to tour Seville this is one historical attraction you won't want to miss.
Where it is and how to get there
Located in the Plaza de Pilatos, the quickest way to get to this part of the city is simply to walk, although you can also use the Seville bus service (lines 1, 21 and 24).
Useful information
- Schedule: It has two schedules depending on the season. From November to March from 09:00h to 18:00h; from April to October from 09:00h to 19:00h.
- Price: For a complete tour, the adult entrance ticket is available from 12€.
6. Archive of the Indies
In the vicinity of the Cathedral and the Alcazar is a beautiful construction from 1785 declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The building was commissioned to house the documentation pertaining to the Conquest of America and the Philippines.
The documentation is impressive to say the least, as the archives consist of 43,000 folders and some 8,000 maps.
Where it is and how to get there
A visit totally recommended first for its easy location and secondly for the quick tour. The Archivo de Indias is located in the Avenida de la Constitución, in the historical center of Avila.
If you arrive by metro the nearest stop is Puerta de Jerez, while the city streetcar has a stop right in front.
Useful information
- Hours: Closed on Mondays; from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:30h to 16:45h; Sundays and holidays from 10:00h to 13:45h.
- Price: It is a free monument for all visitors.
7. Palacio de las Dueñas
A beautiful Andalusian palace belonging to the Alba family. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it is well worth a visit to tour the carefully preserved interiors despite its age and also to admire the fabulous collection of art on display in the different rooms.
The courtyards and gardens are characterized by lush and luxuriant vegetation that you are sure to enjoy.
Where it is and how to get there
The Palace is located on Dueñas Street, in the old town of the Andalusian capital. You can get there using the city's public bus service (lines 1, 21, 32, C1 and C4), although this area of the city, characterized by its narrow streets, is ideal for walking.
Useful information
- Hours: The opening hours of this attraction vary slightly depending on the time of year you decide to visit. From April to September the opening hours are from 10 am to 8 pm every day; from October to March the closing time changes to 6 pm.
- Price: The adult entrance ticket costs about 10€; the attraction is free on Mondays from 4 pm and all the time for children under 6 years old.
8. Cartuja Monastery
Founded in the 15th century by Archbishop Gonzalo de Mena, the Monastery has had various uses over the years. Nowadays it is worth going to this area of the city to enjoy the location on the island of La Cartuja for its historical relevance, as this was the place where Columbus lived when he planned his voyage to America.
In addition, today it is the current headquarters of the Andalusian Center of Contemporary Art.
Where it is and how to get there
Located on the island of La Cartuja, a neighborhood on the left side of the river where the Expo 92 was held.
The best way to get there is to take the C1 bus to the Américo Vespucio stop, located just a 4-minute walk from the entrance to the monastery.
Useful information about the Cartuja Monastery
- Hours: Closed on Mondays; from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
- Price: Approximately €2 for access to enjoy the monument and the temporary exhibitions.
9. Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
Although the exterior facade of the Palacio de la Condesa may make you confuse the building with the rest of the typical stately homes in Seville, its impressive interiors constitute one of the hidden gems of the Andalusian capital.
Walking through it you will find Roman mosaics rescued from convents and palaces in ruins, with an incalculable historical and cultural value. The most beautiful is undoubtedly the mosaic of the God of Bread that makes up the entire main central courtyard of the palace. Wonderful!
Where it is and how to get there
The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is located at Calle Cuna 8; old town of Seville.
The way to get there is using the city bus to the bus stop called Laraña, in the Plaza de la Encarnación, just 2 minutes away.
Useful information about the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
- Hours: From Monday to Friday the palace is open to the public from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm except during the months of July and August which operates in reduced hours until 15h. On Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and closed on Sundays.
- Price: The adult ticket for the full tour is available from 12 € per person; admission is free only on Fridays at 10 am.
10. Plaza España
Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the Plaza España is a work of monumental proportions and an icon of the city of Seville that you must see during your excursion.
Like the Giralda, this is a place in the city much photographed by travelers and amateurs looking to capture the beauty of Seville, not to mention that this location has served as a backdrop for major Hollywood productions.
In addition to its sheer size, Plaza España will quickly capture your attention for other reasons: 1st, its location right on the banks of a large 500 meter long canal and 2nd, the imposing architecture that surrounds it.
Where it is and how to get there
Plaza España is located within the limits of the Maria Luisa Park and the best way to get to this part of the city is to take the Seville subway to the Prado San Sebastian station. You can also take the bus to the Paseo Las Delicias stop, which is only a 5 minute walk away.
Useful information about Seville
- Hours: Every day from 08h to 22h.
- Price: Admission free of charge.