The Reconquista

In 1248, King Ferdinand III of Castile captured Seville from the Moors during the Christian Reconquista, ending nearly five centuries of Muslim rule. The conquest had significant religious, cultural, and political implications.

Christian authorities converted many mosques into churches, including transforming the Great Mosque into what is today the Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. The cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus, symbolizing Seville’s emerging role in the age of exploration.

The Age of Discovery

Seville’s real moment of global prominence came in the late 15th and 16th centuries. Following Christopher Columbus’ voyages starting in 1492, Seville became the main port for Spanish expeditions to the Americas. The city’s strategic location on the Guadalquivir River made it the ideal hub for transatlantic trade.

In 1503, the Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) was established in Seville, a government agency regulating trade with the New World. It controlled navigation, taxation, and the flow of goods, people, and information between Spain and its colonies. For over two centuries, Seville was the monopoly port for all imports and exports from the Americas.

This monopoly brought immense wealth to Seville, leading to a boom in construction, art, and culture. Grand palaces, churches, and public buildings were erected, funded by the riches flowing in from silver, gold, spices, and exotic goods. The city became one of Europe’s most important economic and cultural centers. shutdown123