Torre del Oro (Gold Tower), Seville

The Gold Tower, situated in Seville, is a twelve-sided military watchtower constructed by the Almohad dynasty to control access to Seville via the Guadalquivir river. It was built in the early 13th century and had a role as a prison during the Middle Ages. Its name originates from the radiant golden reflection it cast on the river, attributed to its construction materials, which consisted of a blend of mortar, lime, and compacted hay.

This tower is divided into three levels, with the third and uppermost level being circular in shape, added in 1769. Nearby, there is a smaller octagonal tower known as the Silver Tower, believed to have been built during the same era.

In recent centuries, the Gold Tower faced a threat when the adjacent road needed expansion. However, due to strong opposition from the local population, the idea of demolishing the tower was abandoned. In 1868, there was an attempt to sell it as scrap, but this proposal was also vehemently rejected by the city's residents. Today, the tower has been restored and serves as a naval museum, housing engravings, letters, models, instruments, and historical documents. The museum provides insights into the naval history of Seville and the significance of its river.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seville. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Torre del Oro (Gold Tower)
Sight Location: Seville, Spain (See walking tours in Seville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Seville, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Seville

Creating your own self-guided walk in Seville is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Old Seville Walking Tour

Seville's varied history has left behind a great deal of heritage, much of which is seen in the Old Town, the largest in Europe. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the former Jewish quarter of Seville, and one of the famous districts here. From 1248 to 1492, it had been inhabited by the largest Jewish community in Spain 鈥� eventually driven out, leaving this beautiful neighborhood forlorn.

Today the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Flamenco Walking Tour

They say if it's Flamenco 鈥� it's Andalusia, and if it's Andalusia 鈥� it's all about Seville. Indeed, with its roots deeply embedded in the Andalusian culture, Seville is a prime destination for experiencing the essence of Flamenco and is largely considered to be the home of this fiery dance.

Flamenco sites are found all over the city 鈥� in bars, theaters, or specialized... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Seville Introduction Walking Tour

Seville is the largest city and provincial capital of Andalusia. It is in the southwest of Spain, on the banks of the Guadalquivir. Ancient tradition holds that Seville was founded by Hercules. It was called Hisbaal by Phoenician colonizers for the god Baal. The Romans latinized the name, calling it Hispalis.

In the year 711 CE the city was brought under Muslim rule and renamed Ishbiliyah. It... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

16 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy in Seville

Immortalized by Gioachino Rossini in his famous The Barber of Seville opera, the city of Seville is a major historic and cultural sight adorning the face of modern Spain. Much of the city's character is reflected in the locally-made products that can make for a great gift or trip memento...

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