Torre del Oro (Guide + Tips)
Sitting on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River, right next to the Real Maestranza bullring, this twelve-sided tower has watched centuries of sailors, kings, and stories go by. It was first built to protect the city, but what really makes it special is how much the people of Seville care about it. After the big earthquake in 1755, the tower was badly damaged, and by 1760, someone planned to tear it down. But the locals weren’t having it and they wrote to the king and asked him to save it. He did. And today, the Torre del Oro is one of Seville’s most beloved landmarks.
You can visit the Naval Museum inside the tower and even go up to the top for great views of the river and the city.
key takeaways
- The Torre del Oro is the tower by the river in Seville and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
- You can go inside the Torre del Oro to visit its small naval museum and enjoy views of the city from the rooftop.
- Entry to the Torre del Oro is free, but a small donation is suggested.
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When was the Torre del Oro built?
The Torre del Oro was built in 1220 during the reign of the Taifa kings to protect Seville’s port and control access to what is now the old town. Back then, it was part of the city’s defensive wall, guarding the harbour from enemy ships. In fact, there used to be a second tower on the opposite side of the river in Triana. Together, they could be connected by a massive chain (or possibly a line of boats, that’s up to debate) that could block the Guadalquivir River. Sadly, nothing is left of the twin tower today.
The Torre del Oro was built in three stages. The lower section, with its twelve-sided base, reflects the style of mosque minarets and was designed as an albarrana tower—a kind of outpost linked to the city wall. In the 14th century, during the reign of Peter the Cruel, a second level was added. Then, after the 1755 earthquake caused damage, the top cylindrical section and dome were added in 1760 by engineer Sebastián Van der Borcht.
Besides serving as an outpost and a secret meeting place for the king, the tower was also briefly used as a small chapel dedicated to San Isidoro of Seville after the Christian Reconquista.
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Why is it called “Torre del Oro”?
The name Torre del Oro means “Gold Tower,” and there are quite a few stories about how it got that name. Some believe the tower was once actually covered in gold. Another popular idea is that King Peter of Castile hid gold and silver treasures inside the tower. And while it doesn’t explain the name, there’s also a legend that the king used the tower as a secret spot to meet with the ladies he was courting.
But the most likely explanation is that its original exterior reflected the sunlight in a way that made it shine like gold.
Also, just a short walk away on Calle Santander, there’s another tower with a similar name: the Silver Tower, or Torre de la Plata. It’s not nearly as well preserved as the Gold Tower, but it’s still an interesting piece of Seville’s history worth mentioning.
Visiting the Torre del Oro
The Torre del Oro is 36 meters tall and there’s more to it than just a pretty photo. Inside, you’ll find a small museum spread over two floors. It tells the story of the tower and the old port of Seville.
The best part of the visit comes at the end when you can climb to the top of the tower. From there, you get an amazing view of Seville. If you’re coming mainly for the view, try to go around sunset.
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The Naval Museum
The Torre del Oro has been home to Seville’s Naval Museum since 1944. It tells the story of the Spanish navy and shows how important the Guadalquivir River has been throughout history. Inside, you’ll see ship models, old maps, navigation tools, and all kinds of interesting documents. There are also prints and drawings that help explain how Seville became such an important port in the past.
It’s a small museum, but if you’re curious about ships, history, or the city’s connection to the river, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Tickets and Opening hours
General entrance
- General Admission Ticket: Free, with a suggested voluntary contribution of €3 to help take care of the museum.
Opening hours
From Monday to Friday :
- 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:45 PM).
From Sathurday, Sunday :
- 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:45 PM).
Official Website of Torre del Oro (Spanish)
Hotels close to the Torre del Oro
Since it’s by the Guadalquivir River, the closest hotels would be in the Triana and El Arenal neighborhood.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Budget | Hotel Tayko Sevilla | From € 109 / night |
| Luxury | Hotel Boutique Triana House | From € 271 / night |
| Luxury | Hotel Lobby | From € 207 / night |
| Mid-range | Hotel Kivir | From € 131 / night |
Tips for visiting the Torre del Oro
- The views from the top of the tower are beautiful, but the climb is long and can be tough for people with weak hearts or legs.
- Once you’re on the roof, you can climb the small stairs on the turret to go about 10 feet higher for an even better view.
- Skip the river boat tours. One of the best views of the tower is from the San Telmo Bridge! (Google Maps)
