Seville Cathedral, Spain (the third largest cathedral in the world)

⛪ Seville Cathedral: A Colossus of History, Where Two Worlds Collide Ranked the third-largest cathedral in the world (after St. Peter’s in Vatican City and Milan Cathedral), Seville Cathedral is more than a religious monument—it’s a layered story of faith, conquest, and ambition. Built in the early 15th century atop the ruins of a mosque, it took nearly a century to transform into the Gothic masterpiece we see today, blending Islamic roots with Christian grandeur. In 1987, it earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its global significance. 🏛️ From Mosque to Gothic Giant The cathedral’s origins are humble yet profound: it stands on the site of a 12th-century Moorish mosque. When Seville was recaptured by Christian rulers, builders repurposed the mosque’s foundations, incorporating its most striking feature—the Giralda Tower—into the new structure. The tower, once a minaret, retains its Islamic brickwork, (horseshoe arches), and even its gentle ramps (designed for horses, not stairs), while its summit was crowned with a Christian bell tower and a statue of faith. This fusion of styles makes it a symbol of Seville’s tangled, multicultural past. ⚰️ Columbus’s “Four Kings” Tomb No visit is complete without pausing at Christopher Columbus’s tomb. Perched on the shoulders of four regal statues, it’s a dramatic tribute to the explorer. The figures represent the kingdoms of Castile, León, Navarre, and Aragon—united under one Spain, just as Columbus’s voyages united the Old and New Worlds. Though Columbus died in 1506, his remains were moved repeatedly (from Valladolid to Santo Domingo to Havana) before finally resting here in 1898. The tomb is more than a grave; it’s a statement of Spain’s golden age of exploration. 📍 Practical Guide Hours: Summer (April–September): 9:30 AM–7:00 PM; Winter (October–March): 10:00 AM–5:30 PM (check for holiday closures). Tickets: ~€11 (includes access to the Giralda Tower). Book ahead online to skip long lines. Pro Tip: Climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of Seville’s red-tiled rooftops and the cathedral’s spires. The ramps are easy to ascend, and the views at sunset are unforgettable. Seville Cathedral isn’t just a building—it’s a dialogue between civilizations, a celebration of exploration, and a reminder that history is built layer by layer. Whether you’re drawn to its architecture, its history, or simply its grandeur, it’s a must-see that captures the soul of Seville. #SevilleCathedral #ColumbusTomb #WorldHeritageSite #GothicArchitecture