The Torre del Oro is located in the Spanish port of Seville. It is essentially a military tower built by the Berbers during the Almohad dynasty. The main purpose of the tower was to protect the city from infiltration by the Guadalquivir River, as well as to prevent the enemy from advancing on the banks of this river. There were three such towers, which faced the river in the southern part of the city. The Torre del Oro was the main observation point that, along with the other two towers, had the important task of protecting the city from the intrusion of a natural water barrier. A powerful chain was tied to the Golden Tower, which extended to the other side of the river, and was tied to another tower on the opposite side. Unfortunately, the second tower was not preserved.
The origin of the name still gives rise to much controversy today. On the one hand, it may mean that the tower was covered with gold plates that reflected the rays of the sun. On the other hand, it is believed that the tower was a symbol of the port where all the gold that came from America went to this part of Europe.
The Gold Tower was erected at the end of King Typha's reign. The twelve-sided tower was built of stone blocks and is topped by a three-story dome, which is also divided into 12 sides. The upper part of the combat tower is on the terrace and can be accessed by stairs leading out from the base of the tower. In the 16th century, the Torre del Oro was in ruins and needed substantial reconstruction. The tower building was also heavily damaged in the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. In 1760, the tallest part of the tower was completed.
Shortly after restoration, the observation point was again in jeopardy. Local authorities decided to demolish the tower to make way for the construction of another facility. Thanks to the people of Seville, the Torre del Oro was saved. Once again, the city's inhabitants saved the tower from destruction in 1868, when it was put up for sale as a worthless shipwreck. Today, the tower houses the local Naval Museum. Here you can see various drawings, symbols, models, tools and historical documents.
King Alfonso the Wise wrote about the Tower: "The Golden Tower was founded as a fortress in the sea and at the same time it is located and made as a work of extraordinary elegance and beauty.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 6.45 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: from 10.30 a.m. to 6.45 p.m.
Cost of the visit: 3 euros (for children, students and pensioners 1.5 euros)
On Mondays admission is free.
Address: Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, s / n, 41001 Seville, Spain
