Torre del Oro, Military watchtower on Guadalquivir River, Seville, Spain.
The Torre del Oro is a fortified structure on the banks of the Guadalquivir in Seville, Spain, serving as a watchtower and now as a maritime museum. The building shows a twelve-sided stone and brick base that rises through three levels to 36 meters (118 feet) in height.
Construction took place in 1221 under Almohad rule as part of the defenses along the river. The fortification was meant to control ship traffic and protect access to the city.
The name refers to the golden shimmer that ceramic tiles once created through light reflection on the water. Today visitors come mainly for the view over the river and old town, while locals use the quay as a meeting point.
The tower opens Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 18:30 and on weekends from 10:30 to 18:30. Narrow spiral stairs lead to the upper floors, so the climb can be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
A heavy chain was once stretched from the tower to the opposite bank to prevent ships from entering when needed. This barrier mechanism turned the river section into a controlled passage.
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