Start your tour by visiting the Santa Cruz district, the former Jewish quarter, and most picturesque part of the city. Narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses surround you as you wander through centuries-old gardens and relax on beautiful tiled benches. Wander round the small squares lined with orange trees, get lost in the maze of improbably narrow alleys, where ancient houses almost seem to touch, and admire the leafy patios of private mansions through their iron gates. The city is full of history and stories, with many old palaces, churches and hidden passageways. The main sights in terms of buildings are the Cathedral and Giralda, formerly a minaret (mosque's tower), the Alcázar and the baroque Hospital of the Venerables (originally a home for retired priests). The Archivo de Indias is open to the public and stages frequent exhibitions, as well as offering an unparalleled historical resource.