Color and the Historical City: Seville

Seville, Spain is home to the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world but it can be argued that it is even better known for its colorful facades and tiles. Architectural color is prominent in many historical Spanish cities due to the influence of Arabic and Moorish architecture in southern Spain. Although much of the original color of the mosques has faded, the city still acts as a living tribute to the art. There are two colors that are seen most abundantly, one being called albero and the other cobalt blue.

Albero is a golden yellow color made from limestone and is a newer addition to the city with its usage starting in the 1920s. The color is a reference to the Andalusian sunsets and orange trees with the aim of brightening the city ahead of the 1929 world expo. Yellow is a bright color with a similar effect on mood as people often feel more optimistic, happy, or energized when looking at the color yellow.

Cobalt blue has much deeper historical ties to the area as Moorish craftsmen often utilize it as the only color against a glazed white tile or as the primary color with little amounts of other colors. Almost every tile and building in all of Seville will feature the color that influenced so many other cultures. Cobalt blue was once a luxury color to produce and was used in art for that reason. Now, since it is simultaneously invigorating and calming while also representing blue skies and the sea, it is still widely popular and historically and culturally significant. 

The golden hue of albero yellow compliments the bright cobalt blue creating an aesthetically beautiful composition while having a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of both locals and tourists.