Have You Heard The Stories Of The Gold Tower Of Sevilla?
Sevilla is a famous Spanish city, but you may not have heard about the Gold Tower of Sevilla. One of the last contributions from the Almohade period in Sevilla, it formed part of the last wall of defense that ran from the Alcázar Palace to the river Guadalquivir.
Some believe that the tower was given its name because of the sun’s reflection off the gold tiles that once covered the dome. Others argue that the reason for the name is the fact that all the gold coming from the new world was guarded in this tower and that an other tower existed on the other side of the river, being the Silver tower. In between the two towers there would have been a heavy chain preventing any ship to pass unnoticed.
There is also a story that associates the Gold Tower with the hair colour of a beautiful damsel who King Don Pedro locked up in the tower while her husband was away at war.
Origins Of The Gold Tower
Built in the first third of the 13th Century, this tower has twelve sides. Large chains used to be connected from the masonry base of the tower to other side of the river and acted as a protective entrance way to the port.
Badly damaged by an earthquake in 1755, the tower was going to be demolished to help modernise the city. Instead, it was repaired and a third circular level was added by Sebastian Vander Borcht in 1760. Damaged again by the Revolution of 1868 and the political upheavals of the 20th century, the tower has been restored many times. It is now a museum.
How Much Do You Know About Sevilla
Sevilla is the capital, and largest city, of Andalusia in Southern Spain.
It is the fourth largest city of Spain.
It is over 2000 years old and has played a major role in the history of Spain.
Seville is the only river port in Spain, some 80kms from the Atlantic Ocean. This port made the city very wealthy after the discovery of the Americas as it monopolised the trade across the Atlantic until the monopoly moved to Cadiz.
The first circumnavigation of the Earth (by Magellan) started there in 1519.
The old city has many monuments from various periods. Sevilla also has 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
And it is also an impressive modern city with interesting examples of modern architecture.
If you are planning to go to Sevilla to discover its amazing history and marvel at its monuments, why not learn a bit of Spanish before traveling there? Almaje offers Spanish classes for travelers and beginners as well as conversation classes, and private tuition. These programs will make your trip more enjoyable and autonomous.
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