Torre del Oro, Sevilla

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The tower called Torre del Oro was built by the berbers in the 13th century, and later it was used to store and protect the gold that came in from the New World. This watch tower has three levels and originally had a huge chain attached to it that ran across the river. This stopped all traffic in order to pay a tax and be searched, etc.
Visit the river and see this old monument, still in good shape, and you can walk across the nearby bridge and go to the other side for more photos.
There is also tour boats for trips up and down the river berthed near this monument.
You can walk to this from the cathedral in 5 minutes.

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The tower was given this name because it was once covered in golden tiles. Dating back to 1220, the tower sits at the side if the Guadalquivir river. Today it houses a naval museum. It's an impressive sight, either in the sunshine during the day or lit up at night.

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The impressive Torre del Oro greeted us as we made our way toward the Guadalquivir River that slices through Sevilla. Built by the Moors as a defensive lookout in 1220 (along with an identical tower on the other side of the river), it was joined to the Real Alcázar as part of Sevilla's defenses. Back in those days prior to heavy siltation taking its toll, the river was still Sevilla's main connection to the coast of Spain, so the two towers also anchored a heavy chain that stretched across the the Guadalquivir to control ship traffic and protect the city's port from sea-borne attack. The tower was damaged during the major 1755 earthquake that destroyed downtown Lisbon and it is also believed that may have been what destroyed its sister tower. The slender upper lookout turret at the very top of Torre del Oro was added in 1760 during the work to repair its earthquake damage.

Formerly used as an unloading warehouse for the treasures pouring in from Spain's overseas colonies, it is now the Museo Maritimo displaying various antiques and maps related to its long history. We had decided to take the recommended tourist walk up along the other side of the river, so only enjoyed Torre del Oro from afar as we headed across the Guadalquivir.

The Toro de'oro sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, and used to be a watchtower in the walls which ran from the Alcazar to the river. It gets its name (Tower of Gold) because of the story that the gold and other treasures taken during the Spanish Conquests in South America were stored here). The Toro de'oro today houses a naval museum. I can't remember the admission price, but being honest, it wasn't that much. You can climb to the top of the tower, and get good views out over the city of Sevilla. Worth having a look at, although it won't take all day for you to visit.

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The Torre del Oro or the Gold Tower sits on the Paseo de Colon on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Built during the early part of the 13th century, its purpose was to be part of the cities defences against enemy attacks. On the opposite bank of the river another tower (La Torre de la Plata) was built. There was then a chain stretched between then under the water to trap enemy vessels and prevent them from sailing up the river.

The Torre del Oro was given the name of Gold Tower because of the gold tiles that covered the turret or dome. This was only added to the tower in 1760. Over the years the tower has been used to store gunpowder, used as a chapel and a prison and even at one time a post office. Today the tower exhibits naval memorabilia including antiques and maps.

This tower was constructed in the 13th c. by the Almohads and formed part of the city defence system. In 1944 the tower became a Naval Museum. It contains important praphical and written documentation on the nautical history of the city.

Doesn't look very gold to me, but never mind! It was once part of the old city walls built by the Arabs when they ruled this part of Spain in the XIII century. It's purpose was military to control the comings and goings of the port. There are other historic stories related to the tower too, for example that it was a refuge for the ladies that courted Pedro el Cruel whilst his wife lived in the Alcazar. It is thought that it may have been covered in golden tiles, hence the name.

It is home to a small naval museum where you can see maps and the such like related to the Naval history of Spain. It is open from 10 or 11 until 14:00 and closed on Mondays.

The Torre del Oro is a military watchtower built in Seville, Spain during the Almohad dynasty in order to control access to the city via the Guadalquivir riverT
Today the tower is a naval museum, containing engravings, letters, models, instruments, and historic documents. The museum outlines the naval history of Seville and the importance of its river.