Holy
Week

Origins of the Sevillian Holy Week

Origins of the Sevillian Holy Week

Holy Week commemorates the various stages of the Passion of Jesus Christ, from his entry into Jerusalem to his stations of the cross, death, and resurrection.

Procesión con imagen religiosa sobre un paso adornado con candelabros dorados.
Multitud en procesión con nazarenos y trono en un puente.
Procesión nocturna con multitud y luces en un puente.

The origin of the Sevillian Holy Week is directly linked to the birth of the brotherhoods. Historical documents prove the existence of brotherhoods in Seville since the 13th century, as groups of the faithful who lived their religiosity discreetly within temples and convents.

Procesión religiosa con un trono adornado con velas y flores blancas.
Una procesión religiosa con participantes entre una multitud de personas.

Express getaway

Interesting facts

The first processions did not feature religious images, but instead carried only a parish cross, with the priest carrying a crucifix.

It was in 1604 when Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara ordered the brotherhoods to attend the Cathedral to perform the Station of Penance, and for the brotherhoods of the Triana neighbourhood to do so at the Santa Ana Main Parish, given the difficulties involved in crossing the Guadalquivir river. This saw the birth of what is now known as the ‘official route’, whereby all brotherhoods pass through the Cathedral.

Discover more interesting facts about Holy Week

Seize the moment

Monument opening times

The usual visiting hours for the chapels will be altered depending on the day the brotherhood performs its station of penance. In the following link, you can discover the route and schedules of the processions. Monument opening hours are also affected throughout the week.
Edificios históricos con decoraciones rojas bajo un cielo azul.
Persona encapuchada en una procesión, lleva una cruz negra.
Escultura de plata detallada con figura humana y adornos florales.
Tres personas con capirotes morados y túnicas blancas en una procesión.

The full experience

A unique Holy Week

If you are interested in enjoying Holy Week in a more special way and from privileged locations, we can provide information on balcony bookings, brotherhood tours, and other activities.

During Holy Week, traffic restrictions affect the city centre, so it is advisable to avoid using a car during peak hours. We have our own garage; we recommend booking before arrival as capacity is limited. For any enquiries regarding hotel access or moving around the area, please do not hesitate to contact us. It will be a pleasure to help you.