Seville Cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is not only a jewel of Gothic architecture, but also a repository of history, faith, and grandeur. Within its walls lie kings, explorers, nobles, and scholars who shaped the destiny of Spain and the world. Below, we tell you who they were, how they lived, and why their eternal rest is found in this monumental temple.
Christopher Columbus: the navigator who changed the world
Admiral Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) opened the doors to a new continent in 1492. His life was marked by glory and controversy, and his death in Valladolid began a story almost as eventful as his own: his remains were transferred to Seville, then to Santo Domingo, then to Havana, and finally returned to the capital of Seville.
Today, his imposing mausoleum inside the Cathedral, supported by four heralds representing the kingdoms of Spain, symbolizes his universal and eternal legacy.
Hernando Colón: the humanist son of the discoverer
Hernando Colón (1488–1539), the admiral’s natural son, was a scholar, cartographer, and tireless collector. His love of knowledge led him to found the Colombina Library, one of the most valuable libraries of the Renaissance.
He died in Seville and was buried alongside his work in the Cathedral itself, where his humanist spirit lives on among the books and documents he bequeathed to the world.
Saint Ferdinand III: the holy king of Seville
Ferdinand III of Castile, known as Saint Ferdinand, was one of the greatest kings in Spanish history. He reconquered Seville in 1248, returning it to Christianity after centuries of Muslim rule. His reign united Castile and León, and his faith, justice, and courage elevated him to sainthood in 1671.
He died in 1252 and was buried in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral, under a silver and glass urn that is still preserved today. His incorrupt body can be seen on his feast day, May 30, when the Cathedral opens its doors to pay homage to him.
Beatriz of Swabia: the queen who united lineages and hearts
Next to San Fernando lies his wife, Beatriz of Swabia (1205–1235), a German princess of great nobility and wisdom. Granddaughter of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, her marriage to Ferdinand III united the royal houses of Castile and the Holy Roman Empire.
Although she died young, before seeing the culmination of the Reconquista in Seville, her tomb in the Royal Chapel symbolizes the union between kingdoms and the deep love between the two monarchs, whose story was sealed in stone and faith inside the Cathedral.
Alfonso X the Wise: the king of culture and justice
Son of San Fernando and Beatriz, Alfonso X (1221–1284) inherited the greatness of both. He was a visionary monarch, a lover of knowledge and science. He promoted literature, astronomy, and law, leaving behind immortal works such as the Siete Partidas.
Although his remains rest in Murcia, part of his heart and entrails lie in Seville, as a sign of his eternal bond with the city he loved and enriched so much.
The Guzmán family: Sevillian nobility and devotion
The Guzmán family, one of the most powerful lineages in Andalusia, also left its mark on the Cathedral. Its members, buried in various chapels, were patrons, military leaders, and benefactors of the Church. Their tombs, adorned with coats of arms and sculptures, reflect the pride of a nobility that wanted to rest near the kings and saints of their time.
An experience that combines history, art, and emotion
To visit Seville Cathedral is to immerse yourself in centuries of faith, power, and beauty. Each tomb, each stone, and each chapel tells a story of human and spiritual greatness.
And now you can experience that history at night, when silence and light create a unique atmosphere. We invite you to join our Night Tour of Seville Cathedral, a guided tour that reveals the secrets, legends, and lives of those who rest within its walls.
The experience culminates with a spectacular video mapping show that brings the history of the Cathedral to life before your eyes, from its origins to its current splendor.
Experience history. Feel the excitement. Discover the Cathedral like never before.
