General Archives of the Indies
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Archivo de Indias - by unknown on Google
Description
The General Archives of the Indies (Archivo General de Indias) is the repository of the archives of the Council of the Indies, the most important administrative body of the Spanish Empire in charge of the Philippines and the Americas. There are over 40,000 volumes inside, including autographed materials from the time of the very first Conquistadores up until the end of the 19th century. The archives are housed in the Casa Lonja de Mercaderes where the merchant guild used to transact business. The building was commissioned and designed in Renaissance style in the late 16th century and, together with the adjoining Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar of Seville, is part of the UNESCO WHS list. Note that researchers who wish to examine the archive's sources use another building (the Consultation Room) located across the street.
Access & Transport
Address: Av. de la Constitución in Seville The museum is in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, immediately south of the Cathedral. The "Archivo de India" tram stop (T1) is next to it and it is only 300m away from the Puerta Jerez metro station (M1). For visitors with reduced mobility, access to the Lonja building is from Plaza del Triunfo and for the reading / consultation room it is from Miguel de Mañara street
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining this activity with an exploration of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, including the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar
Environmental & Social
No environmental data available; we consider this activity environmentally neutral. Helps preserve the city's historical and architectural heritages
Conclusion
This unusual cultural attraction has a large unfulfilled potential as a museum but, at the moment, it is very much still a repository of documents with limited visitor-centricity. Only recommended for those keen on Spanish history and who can read the language, or to take a look at the building.
Key positive
The building is architecturally interesting
Interesting content for history buffs
Free and centrally located
Key negative
No (or little) English translation
Lack of exhibits
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and probably of limited interest for children and those who cannot read Spanish
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday -
Tuesday09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday09:30 - 17:00
Thursday09:30 - 17:00
Friday09:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:30 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00