Metropol Parasol or The Mushrooms

The Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas de Sevilla (The Mushrooms of Seville), is one of the most daring and innovative architectural structures in the city. Located in Plaza de la Encarnación, in the heart of the historic center of Seville, this astonishing complex represents a meeting point between past and future, with its futuristic aesthetic rising on an area rich in history. Designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer, the Metropol Parasol was completed in 2011 after six years of construction. Its realization required a significant investment and raised controversies both for the costs and for the contrast with the surrounding historical architecture. However, today it is considered one of the modern symbols of Seville, attracting tourists and residents for its uniqueness and the panoramic view it offers of the city. The structure, made of Finnish pine wood coated with polyurethane resin, consists of six large mushroom-shaped parasols, extending for about 150 meters in length and 70 meters in width, with a maximum height of 26 meters. This innovative design was inspired by the vaults of the Seville Cathedral and the ficus trees of the nearby Plaza del Cristo de Burgos, creating a visual dialogue between the ancient and the contemporary. The Metropol Parasol is developed on different levels, each with a specific function that contributes to making it a vital center of cultural, social, and economic activities. At the lower level, there is the Antiquarium Museum, where the archaeological remains discovered during the preliminary excavations for the construction of the complex are exhibited. These artifacts, including Roman mosaics and other ancient artifacts, offer a fascinating glimpse into the millennia-old history of Seville. The ground floor of the Metropol Parasol is an open area that houses a market, dining options, and spaces for public events. This multifunctional space is conceived as a meeting and socializing place, where residents can shop, have lunch, or participate in cultural events. The large shaded areas created by the parasols make the square a pleasant place to visit even on hot summer days in Seville. The upper level of the Metropol Parasol, accessible by elevators, is a panoramic walkway that offers spectacular views of Seville. From this height, visitors can admire the city’s main monuments, such as the Cathedral, the Giralda, and the Alcázar, as well as enjoy a unique perspective on the labyrinth of streets and squares that characterize the historic center. The walkway, with its fluid and organic design, invites visitors to explore and discover the city from a privileged point of view. The construction process of the Metropol Parasol was not without challenges. During the excavations for the foundations, important archaeological finds were discovered that required a revision of the initial project. This discovery led to the creation of the Antiquarium Museum, turning a potential obstacle into an additional cultural resource for the city. Jürgen Mayer’s project had to adapt to these new needs, demonstrating a flexibility and integration capacity that have become part of its success. Despite the initial criticisms and difficulties encountered during its realization, the Metropol Parasol is now widely appreciated for its contribution to the urban life of Seville. It has revitalized Plaza de la Encarnación, an area that was largely abandoned before the construction, and has attracted new investments and commercial activities. Furthermore, it has enriched the city’s tourist offer, becoming one of the main attractions for international visitors.