5 artistic works you will see during the tour of the Cathedral of Seville

Seville is the birthplace of great artists who drew inspiration from this city’s rich history and culture to create their divine representations. As such, the Seville Cathedral houses one of the largest and most important collections of religious art in Europe and is considered one of Spain’s finest art galleries.

During our guided tours of the Seville Cathedral, you’ll gain access not only to one of the city’s iconic landmarks but also to a remarkable array of historic Spanish artworks. Below, we highlight five major artistic masterpieces that you can experience during your visit to the Cathedral:

1. Inmaculada de Bartolomé. Esteban Murillo (1662)

This masterpiece was the first painting commissioned by the Seville Cathedral’s Chapter from Murillo, the painter who best captured the essence of Seville and its people. Located in the Chapter Hall, one of the Cathedral’s most unique spaces, the painting is perfectly placed at a height and natural light that makes it impossible not to be captivated by its beauty.

Murillo’s Immaculate Conception in the Seville Cathedral is among the most significant depictions of this iconic figure and a must-see for anyone taking a guided tour of the Cathedral.

2. Saints Justa and Rufina, Francisco de Goya (1817)

The martyred patronesses of Seville are honored in various artworks throughout the Cathedral, but the most prominent is the depiction by the renowned Spanish painter Francisco de Goya. This large-scale painting, found in the Sacristy of Chalices, is rich in symbolism, portraying the sisters’ martyrdom and connection to the city’s history.

We highly recommend visiting this room to appreciate every detail of this powerful artwork during your Cathedral tour.

3. La Magdalena. Artemisa Gentileschi (17th century)

The Seville Cathedral also showcases works by female artists, including the renowned Baroque Roman painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Her depiction of Mary Magdalene is located in the Treasury Room, making it another unmissable highlight for those taking a guided Cathedral tour.

Gentileschi, a major figure of Caravaggism, is one of the few women whose work adorns this historic site. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this rare masterpiece in person.

4. The Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua. Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1656)

This is Murillo’s largest painting and can be found in the Chapel of Saint Anthony (also known as the Baptismal Chapel) inside the Seville Cathedral. The work, depicting the Child Jesus appearing to Saint Anthony, has its own fascinating history: in 1874, a thief cut out the figure of Saint Anthony, which later resurfaced in New York. Careful observation reveals the restoration marks—look closely during your visit to find them.

5. Virgin of Belen. Alonso Cano (1635-1637)

In addition to its large-scale masterpieces, the Cathedral houses smaller yet equally significant artworks. The Virgin of Bethlehem by Andalusian painter Alonso Cano is one such example. Displayed in a small altarpiece in the Chapel of the Virgin of Bethlehem near the Centenary Altar, this painting is a prime example of the Sevillian artistic tradition.

Be sure to take a moment to appreciate this exquisite work during your tour. Its delicate beauty and historical significance make it one of the hidden treasures of the Cathedral.