Metropol Parasol of Seville. Visit the Mushrooms of the Encarnación
In a city like Seville with so many traditions and historic buildings, it is curious to come across a monument as modern as the Metropol Parasol, better known among Sevillians as the Setas de la Encarnación because of its mushroom shape and for being found in said square.
The construction of the monument, between 2005 and 2011, was not without controversy due to its extra cost and its design, but little by little it has become one more attraction in Seville, even appearing in the most prestigious magazines and newspapers in the world.
The origin of the Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol is a large wooden structure supported by two large concrete columns.
It won a public tender to recover an area in which it was intended to build a car park but which was not possible after finding important archaeological remains from the Roman and Andalusian times.
The winning project, the most expensive of all, was the work of the architect Jürgen Mayer and its construction began in 2005.
It ended 6 years later with several delays and some modification since it was determined that the initial project was technically unfeasible.
What to see in the Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol is 26 meters high and is made up of 5 levels that can be ascended by an elevator through its concrete columns.
On the upper floor we find a viewpoint, which has become very famous, while on its lower levels we find different restaurants and bars as well as a food market.
In addition, in the basement is the Antiquarium Museum, where you can visit the archaeological remains that were discovered before its construction thanks to the glass floor that was provided.
But the most important thing when visiting the Mushrooms of the Encarnación is its viewpoint. From it, which is accessed as we have said through an elevator, we have a 360-degree panoramic view of Seville thanks to a 250-meter walkway that runs through a large part of the structure in its upper part.
You can find more information on the official Metropol Parasol website.
Photos: wikipedia.org
