Andalucia is famous for its castles and beaches, but also for its imposing cathedrals, which are rich in architectural details and have varied histories.
Here is our list of the most beautiful cathedrals in Andalucia, along with our helpful tips illustrated with photos!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Cathedrals in Andalucia
In Andalucia, you can explore a wide variety of cathedrals that reflect the region’s rich history and cultural influences. Each of the region’s eight provinces has its own cathedral. Some are huge, and others are smaller.
These structures feature a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, including Baroque and Neoclassical, whose elements often blend together due to the long periods of construction.
You should visit at least one of them. It’s one of the must-see attractions in Andalucia. If you can only visit three, we recommend:
- Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
- Sevilla Cathedral
- Cádiz Cathedral
1. Córdoba Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
A visit to the Cathedral of Córdoba is truly a must. It is one of the most remarkable buildings in the region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also known as the Mosque-Cathedral, it offers a unique glimpse into its rich history and architectural diversity.
Indeed, this cathedral is renowned for its striking blend of Islamic and Christian elements, with endless rows of columns and horseshoe arches standing side by side with a Renaissance nave and a Baroque altarpiece.
The site has been used by various religious denominations since ancient times, symbolizing religious tolerance and multiculturalism. Don’t miss the intricate mihrab and the bell tower—originally a minaret—which offer a fascinating contrast.
Read our full article on visiting the Cathedral of Córdoba.
Useful tips
- In the city of Córdoba
- Tour duration: 2h to 3h
- Easy access to the cathedral, but there are a lot of steps to climb to reach the tower
- Comment: Is this appropriate for children or not?
- Full adult price: 15 euros + 4 euros for the tower
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.)
- Bell Tower: Tours depart every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Latest news on the official website here
- Book a guided tour with skip-the-line access
- or Buy a combined ticket for the mosque and the Alcázar
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2. Sevilla Cathedral
Why visit?
Along with the Alcázar, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Seat is the most visited monument in Sevilla. It is famous for its Giralda, a 104m tower. It belonged to a mosque dating back to the 12th century, when Andalucia was under Muslim rule. We found this building impressive—and for good reason!
It is the 3rd largest cathedral in the world and the widest of the Gothic cathedrals. We were captivated by the interior, particularly the high altar at the center of the building. With its 220m2 of gilded wooden figures at work, this altarpiece is the largest in the world!
Read our full article on visiting Sevilla Cathedral.
Practical advice
- In the city of Sevilla
- Plan on spending 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest.
- The tower is not accessible to people with limited mobility. It is also not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia. The staircase is narrow, the climb is tiring, and it’s usually crowded.
- Full adult price: €13 online and €14 at the box office
- It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays (check the official website here for any updates)
- Book your guided tour now.
3. Cádiz Cathedral
Why visit
The Cádiz Cathedral is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cádiz. Its architecture is very different from that of the two cathedrals we just saw. Construction began in the 18th century, and it took 116 years to complete.
Notice the blend of Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles and the dome with its golden tiles.
Notice how the facade uses two different colors of stone—limestone and oyster stone.
Be sure to head up to the terrace for beautiful views of the city and the sea.
Read our full article on visiting the Cádiz Cathedral.
Practical advice
- In the city of Cádiz
- Plan on spending 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes on the tour
- Easy to explore
- Price: €12
- The ticket includes an audio guide and access to the bell tower (see below).
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last admission at 7 p.m.), closed Sunday mornings
- Latest news on the official website here
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4. Granada Cathedral
Why visit?
The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Granada is stunning. We found its colossal proportions impressive, both from the outside and the inside. It’s worth noting that the building has five naves! But the cathedral is best known for being Spain’s first Renaissance cathedral, which served as a model for the construction of the cathedrals in Guadix and Jaén. However, it was the baroque choir that made the biggest impression on us, with its height of nearly 45 meters.
Be sure to take a look at the 18th-century organs on either side. Be sure to also stop by the San Miguel Chapel, where you’ll see a massive marble tomb—that of Archbishop Moscoso y Peralta. Finally, take a look at the treasury and its liturgical objects made of gold and silver.
Read our full article on visiting the Cathedral of Granada.
Practical advice
- In the city of Granada
- Allow 30min to 1h for the visit.
- The cathedral does not present any particular challenges.
- The admission fee is 10€ (free for children under 12).
- The cathedral is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. and on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. – (see the official website here for any updates).
- Book a guided tour of the cathedral, the royal chapel, the Alcaicería, and Granada’s first university.
5. Málaga Cathedral
Why visit?
The magnificent Cathedral of the Incarnation alone is worth the trip to Málaga! We loved our tour of this unique building, famous for its main façade—a Baroque masterpiece—and its unfinished tower, which gives it such a distinctive silhouette!
In addition to the beauty of its architecture, the cathedral impressed us inside with its imposing size, its rich ornamentation, and the many works of sacred art it showcases.
Read our full article on visiting Málaga Cathedral.
Practical advice
- Downtown Málaga
- At least 1 hour with the audio guide (included in the tour price)
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Access for people with disabilities (the terrace is accessible only by stairs)
- Full adult price: 10€
- (See any updates on the official website here.)
- Would you like to take a guided tour of the cathedral’s treasures? See more details, check availability, and book!
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6. Jaén Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
A visit to the Cathedral of Jaén, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, allows you to discover its stunning Renaissance architecture and rich history. Designed by Andrés de Vandelvira, the cathedral features an impressive façade and a unique interior with elegant columns and intricate altarpieces.
In particular, it houses the Holy Veil, a venerated relic said to bear the imprint of Christ’s face.
And be sure to walk up the city’s narrow streets for spectacular views of the cathedral towering over the landscape.
See our full article on visiting the Cathedral of Jaén.
Useful tips
- In the city of Jaén
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for the tour
- Full adult price: 10 euros
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays
- (See any updates on the official website here)
- Book a guided tour of the city that includes the cathedral
7. Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
Just a few meters from the Alcaraz stands another important landmark in Jerez: the cathedral. Although it is not as imposing as other cathedrals in Andalucia, it has a lot of charm and interesting architecture—a captivating blend of Gothic and Baroque styles.
What makes the cathedral unique is its freestanding tower.
Useful tips
- In the city of Jerez de la Frontera
- Allow 30min to 1h
- Adult price: 8 euros – The ticket includes an audio guide.
- Hours: Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- The tower is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Check out the latest information on the official website here
- Buy a ticket with an audio guide
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Guided Hike on the Caminito del Rey
8. Almería Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
The Cathedral of the Incarnation offers a unique experience due to its distinctive design as a fortress cathedral. Built in the 16th century, it features Gothic architecture with a Renaissance façade, designed to protect the city from pirate attacks.
Its imposing structure features battlements and turrets, making it one of the few fortified cathedrals in Spain. Inside, you can admire the Baroque altarpiece, the intricately carved choir stalls, and the various chapels.
Read our full article on visiting Almería Cathedral.
Useful tips
- In the city of Almería
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes
- no difficulties with the visit
- Full-price adult ticket: 8 euros
- Hours: normally 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays
- (See any updates on the official website here)
- Get your skip-the-line tickets
9. Baeza Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
Baeza is a Renaissance town you won’t want to miss on your road trip through Andalucia (along with its neighboring town, Úbeda). Its cathedral offers a unique glimpse into Spain’s rich architectural history. Built over the course of three centuries, it features a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with elements designed by the famous architect Andrés de Vandelvira.
The cathedral’s tower, built in part on top of the minaret of an 11th-century mosque, offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Useful tips
- In the city of Baeza, in the province of Jaén
- Allow 30 minutes
- A few steps
- Full adult price: 7 euros
- Hours: normally from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays
- (See any updates on the official website here)
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10. Huelva Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
Officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy, it features a blend of Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles. Originally built as a Jesuit church in the 17th century, it became a cathedral in 1954. The cathedral has a simple yet elegant façade, and its interior is adorned with beautiful altarpieces and religious icons.
Useful tips
- In the city of Huelva
- Allow 30min to 1h
- A few steps
- As open as a church
11. Guadix Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
The Cathedral of the Incarnation is intriguing for its unique blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries on the site of a former mosque, it reflects the rich history of the city, which was one of Spain’s first bishoprics.
Inside, the cathedral features a remarkable three-nave layout and houses a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà.
Useful tips
- In the town of Guadix (home to the cave-dwelling district)
- Allow 1 to 2 hours
- More information on access
- The cathedral is accessible, but the tower is not
- Full adult price: 7 euros
- Hours: normally from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays
- (See any updates on the official website here)
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Guided Hike on the Caminito del Rey
12. Baza Cathedral
Why visit? Our review
Baza, located in the province of Granada, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
The Colegiata de Nuestra Señora Santa María de la Encarnación is the Cathedral of Baza. It was rebuilt after being partially destroyed by two separate earthquakes, one in 1531 and the other in the late 18th century. It now has three stories.
Useful tips
- In the town of Baza, in the Granada region
- Self-guided tour, just like a church.
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