The Torre del Oro, or “Golden Tower”, is one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 13th century by the Almohads, it was used to watch over the Guadalquivir River and protect the city from invasions. Its name may derive from the golden glow of sunlight on its walls, which were then covered with lime and straw. The tower was also a prison during the Inquisition and a chapel in later periods. In the 18th century, it acquired its current cylindrical top. Today, it houses the Seville Naval Museum, which documents the city’s maritime history. With a privileged view over the river and the city, the Torre del Oro is a living witness to the political, social and cultural transformations of Seville over the centuries. Its imposing presence is a symbol of the Andalusian capital’s splendid past.