General Archive of the Indies, Seville

The General Archive of the Indies, situated in the heart of Seville, Spain, is a repository of invaluable documents that illuminate the Spanish Empire's history in the Americas and the Philippines. This Renaissance building, designed by Juan de Herrera, was originally constructed in the 16th century to house the Consulate of Merchants. It was later repurposed in 1785 by order of King Carlos III to centralize documentation related to the Spanish colonies, which until then had been scattered in various archives, including Simancas, Cádiz, and Seville.

This historic archive is an essential resource for researchers delving into the period of Spanish colonial rule, holding roughly 43,000 files with some 80 million pages and 8,000 maps and drawings that date from 1492 through to the end of the empire in the 19th century. The documents cover a wide range of subjects, from administrative, economic, and social affairs to geographical exploration and maritime history.

The building itself is an architectural marvel, a fine example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, with a harmonious façade and a stunning inner courtyard. Its grandeur and historical significance have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, alongside Seville's Cathedral and the Alcázar.

Open to the public, the General Archive of the Indies offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a pivotal chapter of global history. The archive frequently hosts exhibitions that draw from its rich collections to display original documents and artifacts that shed light on the complexities of the Spanish Empire.