Torre del Oro—meaning the gold tower—is one of Seville’s landmarks. The tower sits on the bank of the Guadalquivir River and was built as a defensive structure. A twin tower on the opposite bank (no longer in existence—probably destroyed in the 1755 earthquake) allowed a heavy chain to be drawn between the two towers to stop an unwanted ship’s passage.
Torre del Oro was built in the 13th century (1220-1221) when Spain was occupied by the Moors. The circular top end was added around 1760. It stands 36 meters tall. No one is certain how the name was derived, whether it was because gold was stored in the tower or because it has a somewhat golden color.
Torre del Oro is currently home to a Naval Museum where you can see displays of old historic documents, nautical charts, ship models and navigational instruments. The museum explains the naval history of the city and the importance of the Guadalquivir River.
The roof offers nice views of the city of Seville. River cruises depart from a neary-by dock.
(Guadalquivir River near the Torre del Oro)
