General Archive of the Indies

Construction of the General Archive of the Indies, formerly the Merchants' Exchange, began at the end of the 16th century. It was designed by Juan de Herrera and built by Alonso de Vandelvira and Juan de Minjares. The second floor and the Cross of Oaths were built in the 17th century. A century later, when Charles III chose this building as the headquarters of the General Archive of the Indies, other works were carried out, such as the redecoration of the main staircase. It is a square building with a large central courtyard. It houses valuable documents that chart the history of Spain's relationship with its overseas colonies in the Americas.