Metropol Parasol, Seville

About Metropol Parasol

Metropol Parasol is modern Seville's symbol, fondly called Las Setas (the Mushrooms) by locals. Six huge 'parasols' of pale wood open over Plaza de la Encarnación and join in a wavy canopy. The structure covers roughly 150 by 70 metres and rises about 26 metres.

The design was chosen from 65 entries in a city competition, by German architect Jürgen Mayer. Construction ran late, but in 2011 the Setas opened and quickly became one of the city's most visited sights. Built from 3,500 cubic metres of laminated Finnish pine, it's billed as the world's largest wooden structure.

What's at Metropol Parasol

• The rooftop walkway — a stroll along the wavy top.
• The panorama — the cathedral, the Giralda and old town roofs.
• The market — a traditional market under the canopies.
• Cafés and restaurants — in the shade of the wooden parasols.
• The Antiquarium — an underground museum of Roman ruins.
• A performance plaza — on the second level.

The rooftop walkway

The highlight is the rooftop walkway winding over the top. A lift takes you up, and from there you follow the wavy deck as it rises and dips between the mushroom 'caps'. The whole old town spreads out below: the Giralda, church domes, tiled roofs and distant hills.

It's especially lovely at sunset and after dark, when the lights come on: the wood glows and the walkway becomes a ribbon of light above the city. Evening tickets usually cost more than daytime ones, but many think they're worth it. Bring a jacket, as it can be windy up there.

The market and Antiquarium

At street level under the Setas is a market selling fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, as this square always has. Bars and cafés surround it, good for a coffee or tapas in the shade of the wooden canopy. Locals shop here, so the place keeps a lively neighbourhood feel.

Beneath the square lies the Antiquarium, an archaeological museum. Building work uncovered Roman and Moorish houses with mosaics, columns and streets. Rather than covering them over, the builders laid glass walkways, so you can stroll right above the ancient ruins. The museum has a separate ticket.

How the Setas changed the area

For years Plaza de la Encarnación was an empty lot after the old market was demolished. Metropol Parasol gave it back to residents: people shop, stroll and meet here again, and concerts and festivals take place on the open platform under the canopies in the evenings.

Around the Setas begins a lively quarter of narrow streets, bars and small shops. From here it's an easy walk to the Palacio de las Dueñas and the old town churches, or north to the busy bars of the Alameda. It's a fine example of modern architecture living happily alongside an old city.

Tips for your visit

Wear comfortable shoes on the rooftop, as the wooden deck slopes in places. Children can go up, with high railings along the path, but keep little ones by the hand. A buggy is harder going up top because of the ups and downs.

Pair the Setas with an old town walk: the cathedral and Alcázar in the morning, sunset on the rooftop and dinner in the bars around the square in the evening. The market below is handy for fruit and water.

For a good shot of the Setas themselves, step back into the side streets: from below and at a distance you see the wavy roof floating over the square. At night the lights change colour and the structure looks especially futuristic.

Nearby and on the way

45

Giralda

Seville, Spain

40 min · With cathedral ticket · 14 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Giralda

53

Seville Cathedral

Seville, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 15 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Seville Cathedral

44

Archive of the Indies

Seville, Spain

45 min · Free · 16 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Archive of the Indies

50

Alcázar of Seville

Seville, Spain

2 h 30 min · Paid · 17 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Alcázar of Seville

How to do it right

• Go up an hour before sunset.
• Evenings cost more.
• It's windy on top.
• Roman ruins below the square.

Questions