Torre del Oro Seville

Torre del Oro, Seville, Spain

The Torre del Oro in Seville (Sevilla) was part of the city's defences during the Islamic period of Spain's history.

It was linked to the Real Alcazar, Torre de la Plata and the other city walls built by the Moors. The base of the 36 meter-tall tower has 12 sides.

History

Constructed in 1220 during the Almohad Caliphate, the tower served as a lookout, and had a counterpart tower on the other side of the Guadalquivir River. A chain stretched between the two to prevent ships sailing upriver.

The turret was added later in 1760. The name - "Tower of Gold" - may refer to azulejos tiles that once lined its walls or to gold from the Americas that came ashore here.

Over the centuries the tower has had various uses including as a prison, a chapel, a munitions store and offices. It is now the Museo Naval de Sevilla with exhibits of maritime antiques and maps.

The Torre del Oro in Seville was part of the city's defences.

Access - Getting There

Paseo Cristobal Colón, s/n
41001 Sevilla

The Torre del Oro is within easy walking distance of many of Seville's main sites including Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, the Real Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla and the Real Alcazar.

The nearest stop on the metro is Puerta Jerez. Buses C3 and C4 stop close by as do buses 5, 40, 41, 42, and S3 at the Puerta de Jerez stop.

Hours: From Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 am to 7 pm; closed on national and local holidays which do not fall on a Sunday.