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The Torre del Oro is a Spanish word for the for "Gold Tower". It gets this name as the tower was formerly supposed to be adorned with gold tiles. Another possibility may be due to the treasures which were unloaded there from the ships travelling from the new world. It was built on the banks of the river Guadalquivir by the Moors in the 13th century almost when the Almohade period was ending in Seville. The tower is at a stones throw from the Maestranza Bullring, the Giralda Tower and the cathedral.
The tower, a dodecagonal structure is segregated into three levels. The topmost level which was built in 1760 is circular while the second level built of brick is hexagonal in shape. The rectangular sections in this part are decorated with blind arches. The three levels are superimposed in the lower part of the tower. It is separated from the middle level by arcades and twin windows.For some time there was a threat to demolish the tower as part of road widening. Fortunately the people of Seville opposed such a move and the tower was saved.
Initally it was used as a watch tower for the military as it formed part of the city wall running from the Alcazar till the river.A chain was stretched from its base under the water to the fort on the opposite shore. This prevented the enemy ships from traveling to the port of Seville. But this defense was broken by Ramón de Bonifaz who was commanding the Castilian naval force. As a result Ferdinand III of Castile could capture Seville in 1248. Sebastián Van der Borcht made the highest addition to the tower in 1760.
The structure is considered a Spanish wonder in Ensemble Studios' Age of Empires II and in the sequel Age of Empires III, the Spanish civilization regards it as a Home City building. The tower with its 12 sides resting on the edge of the Guadalquivir River forms a very impressive structure. It is from this point that the Boat Tours begin. For some time during the middle ages it served as a prison but today it is known to house a small Maritime museum displaying military instruments, models, letters and engravings and historic documents. The naval history of Seville and the significance of its river are recorded by the museum.
The tower, enclosed by orange trees, is a well known landmark of the city and serves as a reminder of the past. During the day the tower offers a vantage viewing point and at night it glitters like gold with its light. A fact that is not widely known is that it has its counterpart in the Torre de la Plata (Silver Tower) which is an octagonal structure built near the old fortress in Seville.
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