The General Archive of the Indies: Seville’s Historical Treasure
The General Archive of the Indies is a historical treasure holding essential documents about the Spanish presence in the Americas and the Philippines. Founded in 1785 by order of King Charles III, it was intended to bring together records concerning Spain’s colonies that had previously been scattered between archives in Simancas, Cádiz and Seville.
Its home, the former Casa Lonja de Mercaderes, or merchants’ exchange, was built between 1584 and 1598 under Juan de Mijares, following designs by Juan de Herrera. The building is an outstanding example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
The archive holds more than 43,000 bundles of documents, totalling around 80 million pages and 8,000 maps and drawings. Most came from institutions responsible for administering overseas territories, including the Casa de la Contratación and the Council of the Indies.
Its collections include priceless historical records, such as autograph writings by Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro. They provide detailed insights into the political, social, economic and cultural history of territories in the Americas and the Philippines under Spanish rule.
The General Archive of the Indies, together with Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognising its importance as a keeper of the historical memory of Spanish expansion into the New World.
The archive serves researchers and also welcomes members of the public interested in Spain’s history and its legacy in the Americas and the Philippines. Its rooms and exhibitions offer an opportunity to explore the secrets of an era that shaped the world we know today.
On this guided tour of the Archive of the Indies, discover the fascinating history of Seville and its relationship with the Americas. Will you miss it?
