Recommended time
45 min
Best moment
Morning
About
Designed by Juan de Herrera, holds 80 million pages on America's colonization. UNESCO Heritage.
History
Housed in the former Casa Lonja de Mercaderes — a Renaissance building by Juan de Herrera, El Escorial's architect — the General Archive of the Indies was created in 1785 by Charles III to gather all Spanish records on the Americas and the Philippines: 80 million pages, 8 km of shelves, five centuries of Atlantic memory. UNESCO World Heritage.
What to look at
Halls with documents signed by Columbus, Magellan and Cortés, and the monumental staircase.
Recommended duration
45 min
Best moment
Morning, right at opening.
Ideal for
Curious minds, short visits, hot days (free entry and AC).
Nearby
Cathedral and Giralda, Royal Alcázar.
Visitor tip
It's free. Pair it with the Cathedral next door.
Why visit
Free entry and key to Sevilla's history.
Tips
Combine with the Cathedral visit.
Related
Sevilla in 1 day
Essentials: Alcázar, Cathedral, Santa Cruz, Plaza España and Triana.