Archivo de Indias, Sevilla

The Archivo de Indias, Sevilla is a Renaissance building listed as a World Heritage site, displaying documents on the Spanish Empire. The building offers an elegant marble staircase and large vaulted archive rooms; the upstairs galleries are amazing.

At the time of my visit (December 2019), there was an exhibition of Magellan’s circumnavigation of the world. I am not a great fan of museums and this type of exhibition, but I found this the most fascinating and riveting museum experience ever. Not only was Magellan's voyage almost unbelievably hard; it was also ground-breaking. The exhibition used illustrations, diary entries, models, paintings sound and video presentations. Highly recommended and it's free!

The elegant marble staircase.
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history
Wonderfully detailed models of the boats.
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history
Carabela Pinta
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia españa history Carabela Pinta
The longest voyage: dreams that become reality.
If you zoom in, you can read the English translation (in blue).
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia españa history
Other, more modern exhibits ,were also part of the exhibition.
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history
Ornate vaulted ceilings
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history
Old wooden chest. Marvellous brass detail.
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia wooden chest españa history
Skylight at the top of a stairwell.
This was tucked away around the back and closed to the public.
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history stairwell skylight
The lock mechanism
Inside the lid of an old metal chest. Seen at the Archivo de Indias, Sevilla
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia españa history lock metal chest old vintage
The grand staircase, on the way out.
2019 Andalucia Archivo de Indias Sevilla Spain andalusia architecture architecture photography españa history

By Rom Gostomski

Archivo de Indias, Sevilla