The Torre del Oro is the most recognisable symbol of Seville's Guadalquivir riverfront and one of the best-preserved medieval monuments in Andalusia. Built between 1220 and 1221 during the Almohad caliphate, this 36-metre-high twelve-sided tower was part of the city's defensive system: a thick iron chain stretched to the Triana bank blocked the river to enemy ships. According to tradition, its name comes from the golden tiles that originally covered its upper body and glittered over the water. Today it houses the Seville Maritime Museum, with navigation charts, ship models, nautical instruments and objects related to the Carrera de Indias. From its upper terrace there are magnificent views of the river, the Triana bridge and the Arenal district.
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, s/n, Seville
