The Torre del Oro
(The Gold Tower)

The Torre del Oro was built in the 13th century (1220-1221) during the reign of the Taifa Kings, a time when Spain was invaded by the Moors. The main body has a 12-side floor, whereas the upper part has a 6-side floor and was an addition of Peter I of Castile (the same that ordered the construction of the Mudejar Palace). The circular top end was added during the 18th century (around 1760).

Being part of the city's walls, its purpose was to protect Seville and prevent the Christians to attack it from the river. Actually, there was a twin tower on the opposite bank of the river (Triana) in order to draw a large chain to block the River Guadalquivir. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the Gold Tower's twin sister, probably because it was destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

The origin of the name, Torre del Oro, is still uncertain. Some claim it is because the tower was used as a storage depot for precious metals (mainly gold and silver) and other riches brought to Spain from the Indies (i.e. the Americas). However, after its restoration in 2005, experts discovered that the building was covered with a lime and straw mortar, giving it this golden reflection.

Currently, it is one of the symbols of Seville although it has been traditionally underestimated compared to the Giralda tower. However, Sevillians have always proved its love and have saved it from demolition in many occasions.

After Ferdinand III of Castile conquered the city in 1248, the tower was completely abandoned. In the 16th century it almost collapsed and some works kept it standing. The earthquake of 1755 caused serious damages to the structure and in 1760 an architect planned to level it down. The inhabitants of the city protested against and wrote a letter to the King, who finally decided to save it.

During the 1868 Revolution, part of the city walls were put up for sale and the tower was again threatened with demolition. Once more Sevillians intervened and saved the Torre del Oro, resulting in a symbol of fight and survival.

The tower has been used as a fortress, a chapel, a warehouse, a prison and even as the Guadalquivir River Company main office. Today it is the Naval Museum.

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