Spain and Portugal for Visitors

Supposedly called the "Golden Tower" because it was covered with gold tiles, or because ships sailing past it came laden with gold from the Americas, or, most probably, because the light reflected from the tiles which used to cover it had a golden sheen.

Built by the Almohads, the Torre del Oro is evidently a defensive structure, which would have been connected to the Alcázar by a wall. Its purpose was to stop ships entering the port, the barrier being a chain being run over the river to the other bank. It has three levels, the largest, original, bottom one having a dodecagonal ground plan. Above it rises the middle, hexagonal stage, and the top, circular level, added in the 18th century. It has been used for many different purposes, notably as a mediaeval prison, and is currently a Naval Museum.

Click here for Torre del Oro opening hours, entrance prices, and how to get there.