Giralda

In 712, the city of Seville is conquered by the Muslims and receives the name of Isbiliya. It had an important cultural richness during that time thanks to the Arab legacy. Under the Arab rule, a period of splendour starts in Seville, with a great economic and cultural boom. After the decadence of the caliphate, Seville becomes the capital city of the Almohad Empire.

Later, between the end of the XI Century and until the middle of the XII Century, the Almoravids (North- African Muslims from the Bereber family) arrived to the city. It was a flourishing period of time for business and architecture.

In 1163, Seville became the capital city of the Almohad Empire in al- Andalus until Fernando II´ s conquest in 1248. During Alfonso X´ s reign, the city reaches an important splendour that continues during the next centuries thanks to the Discovering of America. In 1503, the Casa de Contratación (the House of trade) in Seville is created in order to promote and regulate trade and navigation with the New World.

Some important changes in Politics and Society take place in the Peninsular Kingdoms from 1492 to 1504 (between the discovering of America and Isabel the Catholic´ s death). Seville, during the XVI Century, is one of the most prosperous, lively and populated cities worldwide.