Alfonso X

Many people in Spain know the story of San Fernando III, the man who reclaimed much of Andalusia from the Moors. But someone perhaps more famous than himself was his son: Alfonso X, also known as "Alfonso the Wise." He was the king of Castile and León from 1252 to 1284. But who was Alfonso X and why did he receive the title of ''the Wise''?

During his regime, he took many initiatives to ensure the stability of his kingdom and lay the foundation for Spain's future prosperity. He was a staunch supporter of education and intellectual activity and encouraged the development of universities and libraries. His father, San Fernando III, had previously founded a Christian kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula, which Alfonso X was only too eager to expand.

He was nicknamed "The Scholar" because of his passion for law and science and his protection of talented scholars. He was responsible for the development of universities and the translation of foreign texts into Spanish. His reign marked a period of great technological progress, and his legacy still influences modern Spain.

He implemented reforms and policy changes to create a more unified state. His efforts helped shape the Spanish identity and aimed to make Castile and Leon a center of knowledge in Europe - a goal that was achieved largely due to his efforts. He was also an outstanding diplomat and politician, paving the way for the unification of Spain and the formation of a central government.

In addition to his promotion of science and literature, he also sought to improve the infrastructure of Castile and León. He ordered the construction of roads and bridges, and the construction of public works, such as reservoirs and canals, to improve connectivity and accessibility. He also enacted a number of laws to ensure the stability of his kingdom. His laws are still in effect in some parts of Spain, and they serve as a testament to Alfonso X's wisdom and foresight. He was truly a revolutionary ruler who changed the course of Spanish history.

Perhaps Alfonso X's most enduring legacy was his commitment to the development of Castilian Spanish. He encouraged the use of Hebrew and Arabic in official documents and literature, resulting in a unique fusion of languages. This was a crucial step toward the establishment of Castilian Spanish as the standard language of Spain.

Alfonso X's efforts to promote Castilian Spanish are still felt today and have made it one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. His work had a lasting impact on the history of Spain and its language, making him a truly remarkable king.

In honor of the 800th anniversary and birth of King Alfonso X, an exhibition has been set up. In it, various institutions in the city have organized activities related to the wise king.

In this sense, the main purpose of this exhibition is to highlight the special and personal ties of this monarch with the city (which he considered one of the noblest and best cities in the world) and his legacy. Divided into five areas (the king, the council, the territory, the city, and society), it shows the genealogy and chronology of his reign, emphasizing the dates when he was in Seville.

The exhibition brings together a total of 66 pieces, including the chest of Ferdinand III (father of Alfonso X) and part of the Pedro de Pamplona Bible that belonged to Alfonso X and that he wanted to leave in Seville Cathedral.