Can I buy tickets online for the Prado Museum?

Yes, you can buy your tickets on our website. To do this you should select a date and time of the visit and the audioguide language.

What documentation do I need for access to Prado Museum?

To access the Prado Museum, you must present the corresponding ticket, either in digital or printed format.

Is there a cloakroom service at the Prado Museum?

Yes, the Prado Museum offers a free cloakroom service where visitors can leave coats and personal items that cannot be taken into the exhibition rooms. This service is available at all museum entrances.

If I book a Prado Museum Guided Tour, is the ticket included?

Yes, reservations that include a guided tour generally cover both the guide service and the museum entrance.

What does the Giraldillo of the Cathedral of Seville mean?

At the top of the Giralda stands a unique sculpture that is part of Seville’s cultural and artistic heritage. This piece, popularly known as the Giraldillo, is officially called the Triumph of Victorious Faith. Measuring 3.47 meters tall, it watches over the city from above and has a replica placed near the entrance of the complex, next to the ticket booth for visiting the Cathedral and the Giralda. During our guided tours, you’ll get a close look at this masterpiece. Let’s explore its significance to better understand its historical importance to Seville.

History of the Giraldillo of the Cathedral of Seville

During the Spanish Renaissance, the Cathedral Chapter decided to transform the former minaret of the Great Mosque of Isbilya by adding a belfry and a large statue that would also serve as a weather vane.

Following the installation of the statue, it was nicknamed “Giraldillo” after the Italian term “girandola” (weathervane), a name that eventually extended to the entire tower, which became known as the Giralda of Seville.

The sculpture was crafted by the sculptor Juan Bautista Vázquez the Elder in 1568, based on a model by painter Luis de Vargas.

Between 1999 and 2003, the Giraldillo was removed from its original location for restoration, and a replica was placed in its stead. After the original was reinstalled, the replica was displayed in the Courtyard of the Prince’s Gate, where visitors enter for cultural tours of the Cathedral.

Meaning of the Giraldillo of the Cathedral of Seville

The Giraldillo depicts a pregnant woman wearing a long tunic and a helmet crowned by a wreath. In one hand, she holds a palm branch, and in the other, a warrior’s shield attached to a spear topped with a Christian cross. This uppermost portion functions as the weather vane.

Her figure and accompanying elements resemble the popular image of Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom.

The Giraldillo symbolizes Christian Faith and Hope, evident in the uncarved pupils and her pregnant form. Her attire and martial elements also symbolize strength.

Additionally, the palm branch in her left hand represents victory. The Giraldillo embodies the triumph of the Catholic religion over the Muslim world. This is why it was placed at the highest point of the Cathedral of Seville, which was built over the old mosque, specifically atop the former minaret, reaffirming the message.

When you join one of our guided tours of Seville Cathedral, take a moment before entering the site to admire the replica of the Giraldillo. Appreciate the beauty and magnificence of this iconic figure that guards and symbolizes the city.