Sevilla, Spain
Coordinates: 37.382427, -5.996489
The Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) is a dodecagonal military watchtower in Seville, southern Spain.
It was erected by the Almohad Caliphate in order to control access to Seville via the Guadalquivir river. It also acted as a watch tower and warn of possible impending threats to the city.
Constructed in the first third of the 13th century, the tower served as a prison during the Middle Ages. Its name comes from the golden shine it projected on the river, due to its building materials (a mixture of mortar, lime and pressed hay).
It barred the way to the Arenal district with a section of wall joining it to the Tower of Silver, a part of the city walls that defended the Alcazar.
It now is a museum with interesting exhibits and other relevant information. Worth a quick look.
The Torre de la Plata, an octagonal tower, is located nearby, and is believed to have been constructed during the same era.
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The tower is worth a visit and entry is very cheap. There’s quite a lot to see in what seems such a small space, as it goes up – you get a nice view at the top of the tower.
