The Archivo General de Indias or General Archive of the Indies is the repository documents illustrating the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire that followed Christopher Columbus’s exploration of the Americas in 1492. The building houses 80 million documents relating to the Spanish Empire of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Together with the Cathedral of Seville and the Royal Alcázar of Seville they make up a World Heritage site.

What to see in the Indies Archive

The documents include Christopher Columbus’ journal and the Papal Decree of Demarcation by Pope Alexander VI, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal. Apart from the documents and beautiful old books there are the palatial buildings themselves, other things to see are a 17th-century cannon, maps charting the entire Spanish Empire and several paintings by Goya.

Indies Archive Building

The Indies Archive housed in the UNESCO-protected ancient merchants’ exchange of Seville, which was built in 1572. Designed by Juan de Herrera and built by Alonso de Vandelviva and Juan de Minjares. During the 17th century the second floor and the cross of the Oath were constructed. A century later Carlos (Charles) III chose the building as the site for the Indies Archive.

There were consequent modifications made to the building including the rebuilding of the main staircase. A building with a square floor plan with a large central patio. Inside valuable documents are kept that recreate history of the relationship of Spain with the overseas American colonies.

Other names of Archivo General de Indias

The Archivo General de Indias has the following names: General Archive of the Indies, Casa Lonja de Mercaderes.