Attraction Guide: Iglesia del Salvador, Seville, Spain

Iglesia del Salvador Guide

Iglesia del Salvador: Seville's Grand Baroque Church on Ancient Foundations Guide

Discover the Iglesia del Salvador, Seville's second-largest church and a magnificent example of Baroque architecture. Built upon the foundations of a former Roman temple and later a Moorish mosque, this church boasts a rich and layered history. Prepare to be awestruck by its grandeur, intricate details, and the echoes of centuries past that resonate within its walls. The site of the Iglesia del Salvador has been a place of worship for millennia. Originally, a Roman temple stood here, followed by a Visigothic church. During the Moorish period, the site was transformed into the Great Mosque of Seville, second only to the mosque in Cordoba. After the Christian reconquest, the mosque was gradually converted into a church, eventually being completely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries. The current church incorporates elements from its predecessors, including the courtyard, which retains its original Moorish layout. Visitors can explore the church's opulent interior, adorned with gilded altars, intricate sculptures, and stunning stained-glass windows. Climb the tower for panoramic views of Seville's skyline. Don't miss the Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of the Orange Trees), a remnant of the original mosque, offering a tranquil oasis of greenery and the scent of orange blossoms. The church also houses several important religious artworks. While the Iglesia del Salvador doesn't have a specific culinary tradition associated with it, the surrounding area is filled with tapas bars and restaurants offering a wide variety of Sevillian cuisine.