1.10.- ROYAL TOBACCO FACTORY: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND THE SCENT OF TOBACCO

In the heart of Seville, we find a historical testament to the European industrial and cultural revolution: the Royal Tobacco Factory. This majestic building, erected in the 18th century, marked the beginning of tobacco production in Europe and became an essential cornerstone in the city's history and the history of tobacco itself.

The history of tobacco in Europe intertwines with Seville since the 16th century when the tobacco plant was brought from America. In 1620, the first European tobacco factory was founded in the city by Juan Bautista Caraffa, an Armenian. Over the years, tobacco production and trade evolved, eventually leading to the construction of the monumental Royal Tobacco Factory.

Located outside the city walls, construction of the factory began in 1728 under the supervision of Spanish and Dutch military engineers. The building, with its Renaissance-inspired design and Baroque details, stood out as one of the greatest architectural achievements of its time. Its main facade, adorned with columns and reliefs depicting the history of tobacco, continues to captivate visitors to this day.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the factory exclusively employed men, but as tobacco gained popularity, the number of workers multiplied. From the 19th century onwards, women joined the workforce, becoming the famous "cigarreras de Sevilla." Production, once dominant in the national market, became mechanized in the 20th century, though this led to a decrease in wealth and employment in the factory.

In 1954, the University of Seville found its home in this majestic building, adapting it to house the rector's office and several faculties. The Royal Tobacco Factory, now a Cultural Heritage Site and Historic Monument, has evolved over time, but its historical and cultural essence endures, offering a unique glimpse into Seville's rich history and Europe's tobacco legacy.

This iconic building not only represents the peak of the tobacco industry but also Seville's timeless ability to adapt and transform, carrying the whispers of the past in every corner and hallway.