Seville, the capital of the Spanish community of Andalusia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its architecture is a reflection of its tumultuous history with long spells of occupation by the Romans and later the Moors.
In the 16th century, after the reconquista by the Christians the city reached its Golden Age thanks to a monopoly on trade with the New World. Many of the city's magnificent landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar and Golden Tower were built earlier, in the 13th and 14th centuries.
With the discovery of America in 1492, Seville developed a monopoly on trade with the New World. It became the arrival and departure point for every expedition to the newly discovered continent. Sevilla began to amass a great wealth, palaces were built, new industries were created and the whole city was a hive of activity. All financed by American gold. The population almost doubled during the course of the 16C, rising to almost 200,000 inhabitants.