Torre del Oro

The golden tower on the bank of the Guadalquivir is one of the most recognizable symbols of Seville. It was built by the Almohads in the early 13th century as a watchtower guarding the river approach to the city, and it got its name from the golden shimmer with which it once gleamed in the sun. Today it houses a small maritime museum dedicated to the history of navigation on the Guadalquivir, while from the top there is a beautiful view of the river, the Triana quarter, and the panorama of the old city. It is particularly striking at sunset, when the stone facade once again takes on the golden hue that gave the tower its name.