Spain · UNESCO World Heritage series, 15th issue, Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville

Issue date2 Feb 2024

Total mintage1,500,000

EU maximum1,500,000

Editions6

Edge lettering2 ★ ★ × 6, alternating upright/inverted

InscriptionSEVILLA / M / ESPANA / 2024

DesignerAlfonso Morales Muñoz

mintFábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre / · Real Casa de la Moneda, Madrid

Issue occasion

The coin commemorates the recognition of the Archivo de Indias, the Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The design features the “Patio de las Doncellas” in the Real Alcázar of Sevilla, as well as the inscriptions “SEVILLA” and “ESPAÑA” and the mint mark in the form of a crowned “M”.

The design

The design depicts the “Patio de las Doncellas” in the Real Alcázar of Sevilla. Above it, the inscription “SEVILLA” is arranged in a semicircle in capital letters, with the mintmark, a crowned “M”, below the inscription. Beneath the design, the country “ESPANA” and the year of issue “2024” are incorporated in a semicircle in capital letters.

The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring of the coin.

Background on the topic

The three buildings were jointly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. Their spatial proximity in Seville’s historic centre reflects several phases of the city’s history: Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula, the Christian reconquest, and Seville’s role in Spanish colonial trade with the Americas.

The Real Alcázar dates back to an early medieval palace and fortress complex. After Seville was taken by Ferdinand III of Castile in 1248, the complex continued to be used and expanded by the Christian rulers. Under Peter I, a Mudéjar-style palace was built in the 14th century. Predominantly Muslim craftsmen combined Islamic architectural and decorative forms with the requirements of a Christian royal court. The Patio de las Doncellas forms part of this palace area. Its characteristic features include its arcades, fine stucco work, geometric ornaments and coloured tiles. The Alcázar continues to be used as a royal residence to this day.

The cathedral was built predominantly in the 15th and early 16th centuries on the site of the former Almohad main mosque. Parts of the mosque were preserved, including the former minaret, which was converted into a bell tower known as the Giralda, as well as the Orange Grove. The building thus also documents the transition from the Islamic to the Christian city.

The Archivo de Indias was originally a trading exchange. Since the late 18th century, it has housed centrally collected records relating to the Spanish administration of its overseas territories. Its holdings include documents, maps and correspondence concerning the history of the Americas and the Philippines. Its location is explained by Seville’s former role as a departure point and control centre for Spanish trade with the Americas.

The issue forms part of Spain’s series of 2-euro commemorative coins featuring the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The selection of Seville continues this series, which has been issued since 2010; 2024 was not the occasion of a special round-number anniversary.