Port of the Indies: The river that turned Seville into the capital of the world

Did you know that Seville was the only gateway to and from America during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Yes, for more than two centuries, everything that crossed the Atlantic – gold, silver, spices, people – had to pass through here.

And it was no coincidence. It was thanks to the Guadalquivir, the great river that made Seville the most important port.

The Guadalquivir:

This river is not only landscape. It was the great trade route. Being navigable, the Guadalquivir allowed ships laden with riches to arrive directly to Seville.

It was on this river that adventures were born. Legendary expeditions departed from its banks, such as the first round-the-world voyage in the 16th century.

Seville, the great port of the New World

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Seville was a vibrant and strategic city. Merchants from all over Europe came here to do business, obtain shipping permits or simply watch the spectacle of American wealth arriving on ships.

From the shore, the Torre del Oro (Gold Tower) watched over everything: it was a fortress and a customs house. Just in front of it, the Puente de Barcas (Boat Bridge) linked the two banks of the Guadalquivir and connected the port with the suburb, Triana.

Come and experience it with us!

Walk through the same places where the world changed forever. Book our route “Puerto de Indias” and relive the Seville that was the capital of commerce.

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