Description: Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) is said to have received its name from the elaborate golden tilework that once adorned its walls. It was built in 1220 by the Moors as a defensive lookout point and once had a twin on the opposite side of the river. Giant chains hidden under the water were stretched between them to ensnare enemy ships. The doomed ships were then pummeled by melon-sized cannon balls and sunk. The top piece of the tower was later added in 1760.
An interesting history of uses for the tower have followed since its Moorish glory days. Among them, use as a chapel, prison, gun powder supply and port office. Today it is the site of a small maritime museum featuring maps, paintings and antiques. Even if you are not into maritime history, I strongly recommend visiting the museum. The little cannon balls alone are worth the trip and you'll learn a lot!
Close