Archivo de Indias Seville – Tickets and Guide

Tourist Information for the General Archive of the Indies in Sevilla

Archivo de Indias in Seville is a historic building housing valuable documents from Spain’s past including letters related to Christopher Columbus and his adventures in the New World.

It’s a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring a beautiful piece of Spanish heritage in a stunning architectural setting.

Archivo de Indias Seville General Information
Location	Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Opening Times	Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 16:30PM Sundays: 10AM – 13:30PM Closed on Mondays
Entry and Tickets	Entry to the archive is free! Fast Track Entry with detailed Guided Tour starts from just €15 (Book Tickets Online).

Archivo de Indias Seville Tickets and Tours

Archivo de Indias Guided Tour Join this excellent guided tour around Archivo de Indias and discover some of Spain’s most impressive and historic documents, linking the country to the Americas! I thoroughly recommend tickets for the tour, as it adds a lot of history to the documents and building that you wouldn’t get from visiting alone. – Tour lasts 105 minutes, and tickets start from just €15 (Book Online Online)

History and Overview of Archivo de Indias Seville

The Archivo de Indias was established in the late 16th century, in 1598, by King Philip II. The primary purpose of creating this archive was to centralise and safeguard the vast documentation related to Spain’s overseas empire – particularly the Spanish colonies in the Americas.

The location of the archive is a notable building that was originally constructed between 1584 and 1598 to serve as a merchants’ exchange known as the Casa Lonja de Mercaderes. Its architecture showcases elements of the Spanish Renaissance style and is a remarkable example of the period’s architectural design.

Over the centuries, the Archivo de Indias collected an extensive and invaluable collection of documents, including letters, maps, and legal papers. These materials provide insights into the exploration, colonisation, and administration of the Spanish territories in the Americas, as well as other parts of the world under Spanish rule.

The archive holds significant documents related to famous figures such as Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Francisco Pizarro, offering a unique perspective on the Age of Exploration and the conquest of the New World. In 1987, the Archivo de Indias was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its historical importance.

What to see in the Archivo de Indias Seville

The archives have many important and interesting documents on display. Here are some of the most historic that we recommend checking out:

• Christopher Columbus’ Letters: Explore Christopher Columbus’ handwritten letters to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, which detail his voyages to the New World and provide firsthand accounts of his discoveries.
• Treaty of Tordesillas: Discover the Treaty of Tordesillas, a significant document that divided the newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal in 1494, shaping the future of exploration and colonisation.
• Pareja Maps: The archive houses the Pareja Maps, early world maps that reflect the evolving understanding of the globe during the Age of Exploration.
• Pleitos de Colón: Examine the “Pleitos de Colón,” a collection of legal disputes involving Christopher Columbus and his heirs, shedding light on the challenges and controversies surrounding his legacy.
• Documents of Spanish Conquistadors: Delve into the letters and writings of famous Spanish conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, offering insights into their conquests and encounters with indigenous civilisations.

For more information around the exhibits (both permanent and temporary) you can check out the official Archivo de Indias website.

Archivo de Indias Seville Location and How to Get There

The Archivo de Indias is located in central Seville, in the historic district of Arenal, making it convenient to visit alongside a large number of Seville’s top attractions.

It is possible to walk to the tower from the centre, and it is easy to get to via public transport.

You can get to the Archivo de Indias by taking the tram. The closest tram stop is Puerta Jerez which is then a 12 minute walk to the archives.

For the Metro, get the L1 (line 1) to Puerta de Jerez which is then a 12 minute walk away.

With regards to buses, you can take any of the following TUSSAM buses (03, EA, M-133, M-134, M-140), and get off at Paseo Colon (Torre del Oro stop), which is then just 6 minutes walk to the archives.

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