The metropol parasol is one of the world’s largest wooden structures. It was built between 20015 and 2011 according to the design of German architect Jürgen Mayer. The building is popularly known as Las Setas de la Encarnación (which means the incarnation mushrooms) as it consists of 6 parasols in the form of giant mushrooms. The term Encarnación derives from the structure being located on the square called Plaza de la Encarnación in Seville’s old quarter.
On the underground level of the sight you can see some Roman and Moorish remains that were discovered on the property before and you can see a model of the Metropol Parasol. The model of the structure is a great way to get a real perspective of it being giant mushrooms. When you stand in front of the real thing, it just does not seem like a mushroom at first glance.
Compared to the old town of Seville, the Metropol Parasol seems like a structure that suddenly landed from out of space as its design is so unusual to the rest of the city.
There was a lot of controversy about the project as took much longer to build than expected and it cost more than a 100 million Euros. It was estimated to cost about 50million.
Overall, the Metropol Parasol, is a great sight to visit to get a different perspective of Seville. You can enjoy 360 degree views of the city from up there and can immerse in something futuristic.
General opening hours
Sun to Thu 10am until 11pm
Fri to Sat 10am until 11.30pm
Open on regular holidays (check website for special holidays, i.e. Christmas/New Year).
Entry costs of Metropol Parasol
Entry fee EUR 3.00 per ticket (apparently with a free drink – last checked January 2017)
The entry is free for people who were born in Seville, reside in Seville, children under 12, people with disabilities and there are some other exceptions.
Here is the link to the website which is in numerous languages – it seems to have been translated with a software.
