The Torre del Oro is a military watchtower located on the banks of the Guadalquivir river in the city of Seville, Spain. It was built in the 13th century to control the passage of ships along the river. The tower has become a symbol of the city and is one of its most famous landmarks.
History
The Torre del Oro was built in 1220 by the Almohad dynasty to control the passage of ships along the Guadalquivir river. It is believed that the tower was originally built with a wooden structure and covered with gold tiles, which gave it its name. The tower was later rebuilt in stone and reinforced with an outer wall. During the Middle Ages, the tower was used to store the wealth of the city, including gold and silver coins.
Architecture
The Torre del Oro is a 12-sided tower, 12 meters in diameter and 36 meters in height. It is divided into three levels and has an outer wall with battlements and two windows. The tower is made of stone and has a dome-shaped roof. It is decorated with ceramic tiles and topped with a bronze sphere.
Modern Uses
Today, the Torre del Oro is no longer used for military purposes, but it is still an important part of the city’s landscape. The tower is a popular tourist attraction and is also used for cultural events. It is home to the Naval Museum of Seville and is open to the public.
Legends
The Torre del Oro is steeped in legend. One of the most popular legends is that the tower was the site of a secret meeting between King Ferdinand III and the Moorish king Abu Yusuf. According to the legend, King Ferdinand offered the Moorish king a deal: if he agreed to surrender Seville to the Christians, the King would give him a golden necklace in exchange. The Moorish king agreed and the deal was sealed with the necklace being hung from the top of the tower.
Conclusion
The Torre del Oro is a symbol of Seville and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It was built in the 13th century to control the passage of ships along the Guadalquivir river and is now home to the Naval Museum of Seville. The tower is steeped in legend and is a popular tourist attraction.