1.6 - ARCHIVO DE INDIAS: TREASURE OF THE HISTORY OF SPAIN AND AMERICA

SCHEDULES

- Research Schedule: Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In the heart of the historic city of Seville, there lies a place that holds the best-kept secrets of the history of Spain and America: the General Archive of the Indies. This archive, established in 1785 by order of King Carlos III, has the mission of gathering and preserving the vast documentation related to the administration of Spanish overseas territories. In this entry, we invite you to explore this documentary treasure that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The General Archive of the Indies was born with the noble mission of centralizing the scattered documentation that was previously housed in various archives located in Simancas, Cádiz, and Seville. Its main purpose was to serve as the official repository for documents related to Spain's colonial administration in America and the Philippines.

This archive houses an impressive collection of approximately 43.000 bundles, containing around 80 million pages and 8.000 maps and drawings. Most of these documents come from entities responsible for the administration of Spanish colonies in the New World. It is a testament to colonial bureaucracy and the management of vast overseas territories.

The building of the archive is an architectural masterpiece in itself. Designed by Juan de Minjares and based on plans by Juan de Herrera, it features a standalone construction with a square central courtyard. The façade combines red bricks with stone elements, creating a majestic appearance. The spacious central courtyard is adorned with arches supported by pillars with half-columns. The main staircase of the building, designed by Lucas Cintora in the 18th century, is a marvel decorated with marble cladding and is located under a lantern dome.

The General Archive of the Indies is much more than a repository of ancient documents; it is a treasure of history that reveals the events, decisions, and personalities that shaped the colonization of America and the Philippines. Among its treasures are autograph texts of historical figures such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Hernán Cortés, and Francisco Pizarro, among others.

In 1987, the General Archive of the Indies was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing its importance as the custodian of Spain and America's historical memory. This distinction places it alongside other Seville treasures such as the Seville Cathedral, the Giralda, and the Royal Alcazar.

Today, the archive remains an invaluable resource for researchers worldwide. Its documents are consulted by experts interested in a wide variety of topics, from political and economic history to the history of art and the geography of colonial territories.

The General Archive of the Indies is a place of wonder and admiration, a beacon of knowledge that illuminates the rich shared history of Spain and America. Its impressive architecture and vast collection of documents make it a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts. When visiting Seville, delve into this treasure of humanity and discover the secrets hidden in its corridors and shelves, secrets that tell the story of an empire and its lasting legacy in the world.