In Sevilla is a unique archive, which contains all the information about the history belonged to the Spanish Empire colonies in America and the Philippines - the archive of the Indies. The building, which houses the archive, was built in the Renaissance style by the architect Juan de Herrera in the period from 1584 on 1598. The architect created the project by order of king Philip II, who wished to create in Seville building for local merchants Guild. The facade of the building looks quite restrained, the roof is framed by a series of balustrades, placed at the corners of the obelisks. The decoration of the building continued until 1629.

In 1785 according to the decree of king Charles III here was sent to the archives of the Council of the Indies, driven by a desire to unite in one place a large number of documents that contains information about Spain, as a large and successful naval power. In order to place all the collected documents that were stored previously in Seville, Cadiz and Simancas, we had to convert the building.

To date, the archive of the Indies is truly unique on the volume and completeness of the information contained herein. Just here is 43 thousand volumes, and the total length of all shelves to accommodate books and documents, is approaching 9 km away. Here are various maps, information about the voyages of Spanish explorers, plans, conquered and founded in the occupied lands of cities, information about the Spanish conquistadors, sea logs and reports of Columbus and much more.

In 1987 the building of the archive of the Indies, as well as the materials stored in it, joined the list of UNESCO world heritage.