If you’ve spent time walking around Seville, you’ve probably noticed a curious symbol appearing on street signs, buildings, flags, and even manhole covers: NO8DO. This emblem is the official motto of the coat of arms of Seville, and it carries a fascinating story that reflects the city’s identity and history.
According to legend, the symbol is a visual rebus made up of the Spanish syllables “NO” and “DO”, with the number 8 in between. Rather than representing a number, the 8 symbolizes a skein of yarn, known in Spanish as madeja. When read aloud as “No madeja do”, it sounds like “No me ha dejado”, which means “It has not abandoned me.”
This phrase is believed to express the loyalty of the people of Seville, demonstrated during a period of political conflict in the 13th century. When Sancho IV of Castile attempted to seize the throne from his father, King Alfonso X, the city of Seville remained faithful to the rightful king. In recognition of this loyalty, the motto became a lasting symbol of the city.
Today, the NO8DO emblem is one of the most recognizable symbols of Seville. Its continued presence throughout the city, often reinterpreted through modern and contemporary art, reflects how Seville blends tradition with changing times, keeping its history alive while embracing new forms of expression.