Metropol Parasol Seville (Las Setas De Sevilla)
Rising above Plaza de la Encarnación like a futuristic canopy, Metropol Parasol—often called Las Setas de Sevilla—is one of Seville’s most surprising landmarks. Although Seville is best known for its Gothic cathedral, Alcázar palace, and Moorish architecture, this contemporary structure has earned its place among the city’s must-see attractions. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer H., the parasol-shaped monument is now a symbol of Seville’s modern identity, blending cutting-edge design with centuries-old archaeological layers.
Located in the heart of the old city, Las Setas creates an impressive contrast between old and new. Its curved, mushroom-like shapes stretch 150 meters across the square, supported by a honeycomb structure of laminated timber. This innovative design makes it the largest wooden structure ever built—an architectural achievement that immediately transformed the character of Plaza de la Encarnación.
For an unforgettable city experience—right before or after your Seville boat tour—a visit to Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla) is one of the best modern highlights in Seville. This striking wooden landmark combines architecture, archaeology, and panoramic viewpoints, right in the heart of the city.
Cleaned-Up Visitor Information
- Metropol Parasol (“Las Setas de Sevilla”) – Tickets & Info
- Address: Plaza de la Encarnación, Seville
- Metro: Line 1 (800 m walk from the station)
- Buses: Lines 27 or 32
Tickets
- Standard: €16 (includes Mirador viewpoint, Immersive Room, and Aurora light experience)
- Ages 6–14: €13
- Ages 0–5: Free
- VR Tour available (separate ticket)
Opening Hours
- November–March: Daily 09:30–00:00
- April–October: Daily 09:30–00:30
About the Structure
Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure (150 × 70 meters, 26 meters tall). Designed by Jürgen Mayer and opened in 2011, it revitalized Plaza de la Encarnación and preserved Roman archaeological remains discovered during construction.
Mirador Walkway & Rooftop Terrace
On top of Las Setas is an elevated walkway and terrace offering sweeping 360° views of Seville, known as “El Mirador.”
Antiquarium Museum
An underground archaeological museum beneath the structure showcasing Roman mosaics, houses, and later Moorish remains.
- Tickets: €2 (free for ages under 16)
- Opening Hours:
- Tue–Sat: 10:00–20:00
- Sun & Holidays: 10:00–14:00
- Website: icas.sevilla.org
Nearby, you’ll find various restaurants, shops, and easy access to the surrounding Old Town streets.
Key Facts & Data
- Opened in 2011, designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer H.
- Recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world, measuring 150 m × 70 m.
- Located at Plaza de la Encarnación, a major urban redevelopment site.
- The rooftop walkway El Mirador provides one of Seville’s best sunset viewpoints.
- Built with approximately 3,500 wooden components reinforced with polyurethane.
- Its underground museum, Antiquarium, protects Roman houses and mosaics dating back to the 1st century AD.
- Originally planned as a parking garage, but construction stopped after Roman remains were uncovered.
- Includes an immersive art experience, Aurora, and a dedicated VR tour.
- Connected on Google Earth to:
- Metropol Parasol
- Plaza de la Encarnación
- Antiquarium Seville
- Offers panoramic views of Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and the Old Town.
Engaging Datapoints About Metropol Parasol
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Metropol Parasol |
| Nickname | Las Setas de Sevilla (“The Mushrooms”) |
| Location | Plaza de la Encarnación, Seville |
| Architect | Jürgen Mayer H. |
| Year Opened | 2011 |
| Structure Type | World’s largest wooden structure |
| Dimensions | 150 m long × 70 m wide × 26 m high |
| Ticket Price | €16 (standard) |
| Main Attractions | Mirador viewpoint, Walkway, Aurora Light Show, Antiquarium Museum |
| Materials | Laminated timber + PU coating |
| Viewpoint Highlights | Cathedral, Giralda, Old Town rooftops |
| Underground Museum | Roman & Moorish remains |
| Best Time to Visit | Golden hour / Sunset |
| Accessibility | Elevators available |
| Nearby Attractions | Setas Market, Calle Regina, Historic Centre |
A Vision That Transformed A Square
Before Metropol Parasol existed, Plaza de la Encarnación was little more than an underused market area with plans for an underground parking garage. During excavation, workers uncovered Roman-era remains, forcing a complete redesign of the area. Instead of building a garage, the city held an international architectural competition to create something bold and visionary. Mayer’s design—light, organic, and ambitious—won the commission.
The project incorporated the archaeological findings into its final form. Today, these preserved Roman mosaics, houses, and artifacts can be visited inside the Antiquarium, a museum located beneath the parasol structure. This connection between ancient Seville and contemporary architecture gives the site a uniquely layered identity.
Walking Across The Sky: The Mirador
One of the most popular features of Las Setas is the elevated walkway and terrace known as El Mirador, accessible by elevator. This looping path winds across the top of the structure, offering panoramic views of Seville’s skyline, including the Giralda, the cathedral, and the dense rooftops of the old town. It is especially beautiful at sunset, when the light paints the rooftops gold and the parasol structure glows softly from below.
This walkway is also the stage for Aurora, an immersive lighting experience that highlights the curves of the structure with shifting colors and soft atmospheric patterns. Visitors can also combine the experience with a VR tour that recreates the transformation of the square over time.
Antiquarium: Seville Beneath The Surface
Five meters below ground level lies one of the most fascinating parts of the site: the Antiquarium Museum, also known as the Museo Arqueológico de las Setas. Here, visitors can walk through a transparent elevated platform that showcases detailed Roman mosaics, fish-salting basins, domestic structures, and remains from later Islamic periods. Informative panels help explain how everyday life looked in the earliest centuries of Seville’s history.
For those who love archaeology and ancient history, this museum provides a rare chance to explore Seville’s deeper origins—without crowds and at an incredibly affordable €2.
A Cultural, Social & Architectural Hub
Metropol Parasol doesn’t just serve as an observation deck or museum. It’s a lively public space, bringing shade, movement, and activity to a central part of the city.
Visitors often find that Las Setas is a perfect starting or ending point for exploring nearby streets like Calle Regina, packed with independent boutiques and trendy food spots. It also connects well to the broader historic center, making it easy to pair with other attractions—or even a relaxing Seville canal tour along the Guadalquivir afterward.