The río Guadalquivir is the river of Seville, the only navigable river in Spain. This river has played a leading role in many of the city’s historic moments. Sieges, defences and conquests have been fought on its waters, and exploits and crossings have been forged from its shores.
Did you know that the first trip around the world left from Seville? In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan sailed with his ships to Sanlucar de Barrameda and from there, to the open sea, to circumnavigate the Earth. Crossing the San Telmo bridge, you can see the armillary sphere that commemorates mile zero of that voyage.
Seville in the 16th century was the mercantile centre of the western world, and its river was the main maritime route for Atlantic traffic for more than 200 years. Many street names referring to trades and origins come from that era (Alemanes, Placentines, Francos; Odreros, Toneleros, Cerrajeros...). Seville was known as “the city where the world’s heart beats”. Its maritime activity permeated commerce, population, culture, and its own urban development, making it unique.
The Torre del Oro (“Tower of Gold”), one of the emblematic monuments of Seville, also has a history linked to the river. It is a defensive tower built by the Arabs, located on the left bank of the Guadalquivir. Tradition says that a thick chain on the river joined it to another tower located on the other side of the river, thus preventing the passage of enemy ships.
The Torre del Oro is currently home to the Naval Museum of Seville.
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The character of the Guadalquivir has prevailed to this day. Nowadays, it is a river that is enjoyed like few in the world, treated like the monumental street it was, probably the most important street in Seville.
You can also enjoy water sports in the river, especially rowing and canoeing. In fact, the Guadalquivir has hosted international competitions of the highest level.
More and more visitors arrive in Seville through the Guadalquivir. You could be one of them, arriving aboard a cruise to the Muelle de las Delicias (Quay of Delights), at the city centre’s historic port.
The “First Sailing Around the World” exhibition is, ideally, situated in an emblematic location, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, next to the Gold Tower, thereby standing out as an unquestionable landmark to jump into the discovery of the most epical prowess, in the history of seafaring, that both the city and its river starred in: the First sailing around the World (1519 - 1522). In its exhibition center, visitors may launch to the discovery of the very first planetary circumnavigation and experience, firsthand, the history behind Magellan’s ambitious adventure, which will culminate, in the exploration of the “Nao Victoria 500”: a majestic life-size replica of the legendary ship that starred in this admirable journey.
The greatest maritime feat in the history of mankind, headed by the captains Magellan and Elcano, narrated, from the standpoint of “Nao Victoria”
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Nao Victoria becomes, in this way, its own storyteller, guiding its guests, through its epical history; starting from its construction, until its ultimate consecration as a legendary galleon, through the expedition preparations, the immensity of its journey, as well as the conjunctural events its sailormen experienced and the dangers they faced, added to the natural harshness of life, on board. Visiting the Nao Victoria, thus, converts into a real experience for the senses, throughout the sensations and experiences of the ships and their main sailors themselves, allowing visitors to relive the true ideological and economic dimension, besides the ultimate objective of this incredible adventure’s achievements.
Come and discover the secrets of the “First Round the World Tour”, through the Exhibition Center and the replica of its absolute protagonist: the Nao Victoria 500.
For additional information:
Visita Espacio Primera Vuelta al Mundo] - Fundación Nao Victoria
- The Romans called it the river Betis, also giving it the name Bética.
- The Guadalquivir crosses all of Andalusia, with a total length of 657 kilometres.
- Being on the other side of the river led to the unique character of Triana.
