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Metropol Parasol Seville:
Metropol Parasol is billed as the “World’s Largest Wooden Structure“. I totally believe it. It should be on your things to see in Seville list! This thing is ginormous, in a good way of course. It is located at the Plaza de la Encarnacion.
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The plaza used to a market place until 1973. After the market closed, the square became abandoned, and that section of the city was a real eyesore that eventually became a parking lot.In the 90’s, the city council decided to reinvigorate the square. The plan was to build a new market hall, and move the parking underground. When construction started, remains of Roman houses were discovered, and the project was halted.
The plan evolved into being an archeological museum. German Designer Jurgen Mayer was the eventual winner of a competition that was launched to find a new design that would incorporate the museum and market place.
Parasol Meaning: (What is a parasol?)
A parasol is defined as a light umbrella to provide shade from the sun. It is also defined as a largely distrubed wide and large mushroom with a slender stalk. You can see why La Seta Sevilla got the nickname of mushroom then, since the shape is so similar. It has been providing shade in hot Sevilla since it was built. We definitely appreciate the Seville mushroom.
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Parasol Wooden Structure: Metropol Parasol at night
Parasol Seville:
Despite years of setback and technical difficulties, construction was finally completed, and the Metropol Parasol officially opened in 2011. I can only imagine what an absolute horror it must have been for the few people that still lived in the area during construction, especially the old people. Our friends said most Sevillanas referred to the things as mushrooms, but to me, they look like giant waffles.
Quite a few of the local people still don’t like it, from what he says. It’s basically located at the end of the old Seville center. It is kind of unusual in that you are walking all through the windy little streets and all.
The buildings are all old, and quaint, and you feel nostalgic…then BOOM! you are at the end of the city and see this gigantic, very new structure. It hits you right in the face, and you know what? I love it. It’s a welcome jolt. The building area is 5000 square meters, and it is just over 28 meters tall. It is made of concrete, timber and steel, and cost roughly €90 million to build.
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Related Reading: Cathedral Seville
No matter how the haters feel, there is no denying that the Metropol Parasol has become one of Seville’s most visited destinations, along with the Cathedral and the Giralda etc. It provides much needed shade, as the city gets a lot of sunshine.
There are bustling businesses all around the metropol. Apartments are hard to come by, as people have moved back in droves. It was interesting to see this short video about how the Metropol Parasol came to be.
You get the feeling that all the council members are very,very,very old, judging by the guy on camera :-). Kudos to them for having the vision to go bold, and new. They voted for the future instead of playing it safe. It certainly has paid off in spades!
Everyone seems to have come around and now like the La Seta Sevilla or at least recognize that it’s a big draw for tourists in Seville. The el parasol gets really crowded at night because most Sevillanos stay home during the day to escape the brutal heat and come out at night to enjoy the cooler temperatures.
La Seta Sevilla: Stunning views
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Metropol Parasol Entry fee:
We visited the Metropol Parasol at night to get a different view. It’s absolutely beautiful. Entry is €2.50 for visitors, but free for residents of Seville. Your admission comes with a free drink. The archeological museum was closed already when we visited, but hopefully, we will get to see it sometime.
The elevator takes you up to the fourth floor. You can then walk around the Sevilla metropol parasol and get really good views of Seville, which was awesome.You wind your way back down the wide steps. It is such a cool place to hang out in. There are lots of cafes and shops in the vicinity. We got ourselves some ice cream and sat on the steps, people watching.
Bonus sight:
For sure, the Parasol Sevilla a must see in Seville. Highly recommended :-). At the end of the street where the Metropol Parasol is located, there is a plaque on the building wall that our friends showed us. It was work done by some famous Spanish guy (sorry, the name escapes me 🙂 ).
There is a bird in the tile work, and legend says that if you find the bird, you will get married soon. We stared at it for like 5 minutes..but did not find the bird, perhaps because we were already married? Here is the tile work below. Can you find it? I know it’s hard to see 🙂
Have you been to the Metropol Parasol? Do you think it looks more like mushrooms than waffles? Does it look too futuristic to you?
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The bird is here..cheeky bastard used it as a signature! You spend so much time looking at the image itself..don’t you? so did l!!!
Where is the metropol parasol (la seta Sevilla) located?
Metropol Parasol is located in La Encarnation Square (plaza de la encarnation Sevilla) which is in the old quarter.
Opening hours of La Seta are 10AM-11PM Daily.
Friday and Saturday 10AM-11:30PM
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What do you think of La Seta? And the forward thinking of the local council? Kindly weigh in your view..
Looks beautiful. I really want to come to Spain! We will be close in October.
Come! :-). Take the train..
It’s beautiful! I don’t remember it when I was there! 🙁
It’s only 4 years old as of this month. It means you need to revisit 🙂
WOW! This is just amazing! More reasons to visit Spain asap.:)
Lol! The reasons just keep piling up, don’t they??? asap is right! 🙂
It looks really nice! It does indeed seem like something locals might not be particularly fond of, but for people visiting, I am sure it’s quite the attraction. I’d personally love to explore the area!
I think you would love exploring Seville. First, you must enjoy your epic Euro trip so l can be jealous :-). I can’t wait to hear what you think about Vienna. It’s always been on my radar and l hear different things. The Parasol was very nice..
The architechture is absolutely stunning and quite different from its surrounding but no less beautiful. Looks like a spot I would love to visit.
I think you would really like it. It is stunning, and the views are really lovely.
That is GORGEOUS!!! And (I’m embarrassed to say!), I’ve actually never even heard of it before your blog post–but I certainly wouldn’t pass up a chance to visit!! Especially at night!:-)
Don’t feel too bad! It’s a still a very new thing. Few people know about it :-). You’re right, it is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to seeing it again, and also l want to see the Roman Ruins under it in the daytime. It makes you wander what sort of ruins are still undiscovered in that area.
Such cool architecture! I’d definitely love to see this when in Seville. And I definitely see both mushrooms and waffles – lol! 😉
Yes, you do. It is wicked cool. Mushrooms and waffles, l think someone needs to make a meal out of it. If chicken and waffles can coexist on the same plate..why not these two eh? 🙂
Kemkem, I have never, EVER seen this anywhere!! Not on tv, not in a magazine, not from any blogger. So, thank you for the awesome treat to a new adventure. That said, it is gooooorgeous! That’s amazing that those Roman houses were underground the entire time and finally discovered. Always makes me wonder what other treasures are underneath our feet around the globe! Have a great day!! 🙂
Ooh..glad l was able to share something new off the not so fresh press! :-). I was kind of bummed the museum was closed, but l am looking forward to actually seeing it at some point. Those Romans certainly got around didn’t they?..lol! The original nomads. I half thought about getting a shovel and going digging in a random place, hoping to discover something, at least before l get arrested.. :-). You have a great weekend Mike!
That is so impressive indeed. No matter how much I look at it, I can’t have enough 🙂 I don’t really know why it resonates so much, but it’s definitely something that I have placed on my “to see” list. I would say that it is something futuristic and impressive, maybe similar somewhat with the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia… great stuff indeed!
It does remind you of the City of Arts doesn’t it? Not because of the actual design, but because they are so far ahead of their time and everybody hated them when they were first constructed. It took a while for it to grow on people, and now of course, they are very much proud of it. Human nature! :-).
It deserves to be seen, along with some other places in Seville. It is truly beautiful.
We are just finishing a month in Lisbon and are heading to Seville next week. I really enjoyed reading your posts and are looking forward to seeing some of the sights you have so elegantly described.
Oh how nice! I hope you enjoyed Lisbon. I liked the city well enough, but l preferred Porto for some reason, perhaps the size made it more appealing. Thanks so much for your kind comment :-). This is a great time to visit Seville weather wise and l know you will have a great time there. It really is a fabulous city, except for the summer heat of course..haha!