What to Wear to Seville Cathedral [Seville Cathedral Dress Code]

Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to admire its stunning architecture and interesting history. 

But if you’re planning a visit, you might be wondering what to wear to Seville Cathedral.

I visited recently and, to be honest, the feedback from staff was mixed. The rules on my ticket, the website, and at the entrance all clearly outlined the Seville Cathedral dress code, but in reality, it wasn’t strictly enforced. 

That said, I still wouldn’t want to be that tourist who shows up dressed inappropriately. 

To help you out, here’s my honest guide on what’s expected when visiting this iconic place. 

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Does Seville Cathedral Have a Dress Code?

If you’re planning to visit Seville Cathedral, it’s good to know that there’s a dress code you’ll need to follow. 

Well, sort of.  It seems to vary a lot between which members of staff you meet.

On my last visit, the person at the entrance scanning the tickets was a lot stricter than any of the staff I encountered inside.

That said – it’s still a place of worship, and although I’m not religious I still think it’s important to be respectful, as I would be if I were to visit a Buddhist temple or a Mosque. 

Essentially the dress code for Seville Cathedral felt more like guidelines than strictly governed rules. 

And the rules are pretty straightforward anyway: make sure your shoulders are covered, and wear skirts or trousers that at least reach your knees. 

When I visited during the peak of summer I was wearing linen trousers, with a strappy top. I did go prepared with a lightweight scarf in my bag which I was able to use to put over my shoulders. This was fine.

Staff were also handing out small scarves to other women inside who were wearing strappy tops. 

What Do the Rules State?

Below is a statement taken from the official site of the Seville Cathedral about the rules on what to wear.

👉 Note: The original statement has been translated via Google Translate – so it does read a bit odd, but you get the jist.

If you book your tickets through the official Seville Cathedral website, you’ll also see this image of appropriate clothing before you go to the checkout.

The dress code is also printed on the ticket, and you’ll see the same sign at the main entrance to the Cathedral.

Seville Cathedral Clothing Requirements

Although there are clothing rules for visiting Seville Cathedral, it doesn’t seem to be wildly enforced – or it wasn’t at my time of visit. There were definitely a few women who took the provided scarves off as soon as they were out of sight from staff.

These are the recommendations as to what you should wear.

👉 As a generalisation, smart casual seems to be appropriate.

Seville Cathedral Dress Code Male

• Tops: Shirts, polo shirts or t-shirts (no offensive imagery)
• Bottoms: Long trousers, straight-fit pants, chinos. Shorts are ok as long are they aren’t swimwear.
• Footwear: Clean closed-toe shoes, sports shoes, or loafers.

Seville Cathedral Dress Code Female

• Tops: T-shirts or shirts as long as they cover your shoulders – bring a lightweight scarf if you’re wearing a strappy or strapless top.
• Bottoms/ Skirts: Opt for a slightly conservative length for either skirts or shorts (a ballpark guide is whether or not they would be a suitable length to wear at a formal workplace – if yes, then they’ll probably be fine)
• Dresses: Dresses are fine – refer back to the rules I just mentioned about covering shoulders and length.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes, low or flat heels, or sports shoes.

Other Rules for Visiting Seville Cathedral

Aside from following the dress code for the Cathedral in Seville, there are some other rules which should be followed during your visit. 

• Tourist visits are not allowed inside the temple during liturgical acts.
• Hats should be removed when entering the cathedral.
• You can take photos, but only without a flash or tripod.
• Do not disturb or photograph people in prayer.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult, and running inside the cathedral is not allowed.
• Entry with animals is not allowed, except for guide dogs.
• Switch off or set your phone to silent mode.
• Smoking is completely forbidden anywhere inside the premises.
• Speak softly and avoid shouting to preserve the character of the cathedral.
• Eating and drinking inside the Seville Cathedral is not allowed. – only water can be consumed.
• Objects that could pose a risk to visitors or the heritage of the temple are not allowed.

What To Wear To Seville Cathedral FAQs

I hope this article has answered any questions you might have had about Seville Cathedral’s dress code. Essentially, the rules aren’t overly strict, and you can pretty much wear what you like, just as long as it’s respectful. Cover your shoulders, avoid short skirts or shorts, and you’ll be all set to explore this stunning cathedral without any worries.