Cover photo: Flickr. Neil
Seville was known as the “city of convents” because of the large number of convents and religious temples it was home to. In fact, Seville is the city with the most churches in Spain. And yes, most of them are still standing, so you’ll find one on practically every corner.
That said, Seville is Baroque. Although many churches retain the Gothic-Mudejar style, their interiors feature altarpieces, religious sculptures, and 17th-century paintings. Pure Baroque works of art await you in its churches.
Salvador Church
The second-largest church in Seville, surpassed only by the Cathedral. This church was originally built as the city’s main mosque in 830, when Córdoba was the capital of Al-Andalus. After being sacked by the Vikings, this imposing collegiate church was erected in the 17th century to replace the previous one.
Check the schedule—it’s free with your Cathedral ticket.
Photo: Wikipedia
Santa Ana Church
One of the oldest churches in Seville. The residents of Triana call it the “Cathedral of Triana,” since, until the Isabel II Bridge was built, all the neighborhood’s religious brotherhoods held their processions here. Commissioned by Alfonso X, its interior is a veritable museum of Triana ceramics.
Open to the public. Check prices and hours.
Photo: Flickr. Sandra Vallaure
Santa María la Blanca
It is the only one of the three churches still standing that was originally built as a mosque, later converted into a synagogue, and eventually into a church. As such, it is the only one that preserves traces of these three religions, and it is spectacularly beautiful.
Open to the public. Check prices and hours.
Photo: Gary Campbell-Hall
Gothic-Mudejar churches
Omnium Sanctorum, Santa Catalina, San Marcos y Santa Marina share the same architectural style and are the oldest churches in Seville. Built after the conquest, their style exemplifies the coexistence of the Gothic (purely Christian) and Mudejar (Hispano-Muslim) styles.
Public churches. Check opening hours.
Photo: Flickr. Doenjo
San Luis de los Franceses
Seville’s quintessential “Baroque” church. Stepping inside is a spectacle of light and Solomonic columns. Commissioned by the Society of Jesus, it was dedicated to Saint Louis, a move that earned them the favor of Philip V, who was founding a new dynasty.
Open to the public. Check prices and hours.
Photo: Wikipedia
Magdalena Chuch
It belonged to the former convent of San Pablo, which was looted during the French occupation and later confiscated. It is possibly the “most beautifully decorated” church in Seville, due to the large number of artists who have left their mark here.
Public churches. Check opening hours.
Photo: Wikipedia
