Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) — About, History & Visitor Info (2025)

Explore Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol), the striking wooden landmark rising above Plaza de la Encarnación in Seville’s historic center. Learn how this bold structure was created, what you can see on each level—from Roman ruins to a local market and a panoramic skywalk—and how to plan your visit with tickets and tours.

About Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)

Setas de Sevilla, also called Metropol Parasol, is a contemporary wooden structure in the heart of Seville, Andalusia. Its giant mushroom-like canopies shade a lively square, while an elevated walkway and viewpoint offer some of the best city panoramas.

Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, the structure is often described as one of the largest timber constructions in the world. It brings together Roman ruins, a traditional food market, a public plaza, restaurants, and a skywalk in one multi-level urban space.

What Makes Setas de Sevilla Special

Setas de Sevilla is not just a viewpoint—it’s a vertical experience that connects Seville’s past and present. In a single visit, you can see archaeology, taste local produce, and capture modern skyline photos.

  • Iconic wooden canopy with organic, mushroom-like curves.
  • Panoramic skywalk and viewpoint with sweeping city views.
  • Layers of activity: ruins, market, plaza, terraces, and rooftop.

Where It Fits in Your Seville Itinerary

Setas sits in Plaza de la Encarnación, a short walk from Seville’s main sights: Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, Barrio de Santa Cruz, Alameda de Hércules, and key shopping streets. It works well as a sunset stop or a mid-day break in the shade.

Good pairing: Explore Seville Cathedral and the old Jewish quarter in the morning, enjoy lunch or tapas near Setas, then head up to the skywalk for golden-hour and sunset views over the city.

Brief History & Timeline of Setas de Sevilla

Setas de Sevilla is the result of a long transformation of Plaza de la Encarnación—from convent, to market, to parking lot, and finally to a bold piece of contemporary architecture.

  • 19th–20th centuries — Plaza de la Encarnación is home to a traditional market and later used as a parking and open space, gradually losing its historic charm.
  • 1990s–early 2000s — Archaeological excavations reveal Roman and early Christian remains. The city decides to preserve the ruins and redesign the square.
  • 2004 — German architect Jürgen Mayer wins an international competition with the Metropol Parasol concept: a giant timber canopy that shades the square and unifies the different levels below and above ground.
  • Mid-2000s — Construction begins. The project faces technical challenges, design changes, and cost increases, but the innovative structure gradually takes shape.
  • 2011 — Metropol Parasol officially opens. Locals nickname it “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms) because of its organic shapes.
  • 2010s–2020s — The site matures into a multi-use urban hub, hosting events, markets, cultural activities, and becoming one of Seville’s most photographed landmarks.

Today: Setas de Sevilla is considered a symbol of modern Seville—controversial at first, now widely recognized as a bold gesture that connects archaeology, daily life, and contemporary design.

Tickets, Tours & Experiences Around Setas de Sevilla

You can visit Setas de Sevilla independently with a standard entry ticket or make it part of a broader Seville walking tour, tapas evening, or city sightseeing day. Use these options (via GetYourGuide) as inspiration to build a flexible itinerary:

Setas de Sevilla Entry & Skywalk Access

Reserve a ticket that includes access to the panoramic walkway and viewpoint, where you can follow the curved paths and enjoy 360° views over Seville’s rooftops, church towers, and distant neighborhoods.

Historic Center & Setas Walking Tour

Join a guided walk through Seville’s old town, passing landmarks like the Cathedral, Giralda, and traditional plazas before ending at Setas, where your guide explains the project’s architecture and history.

Seville Architecture & Viewpoints Experience

Combine Setas with other viewpoints and architectural highlights, learning how Seville has evolved from Roman times and the Islamic era to the present-day city.

Seville Hop-On Hop-Off Style Access

Stay based on the coast and use a day trip from Costa del Sol to reach Seville, then explore the historic center and Setas de Sevilla on foot with a guide.

Evening Lights & Tapas Near Setas

Visit Setas around sunset to see the city change color, then continue with a tapas crawl in nearby streets. Many tours combine guided walks with typical Andalusian food and drink.

Private Seville Tour with Setas Rooftop

For more flexibility, book a private guide who can tailor the route around your interests—mixing major monuments, hidden courtyards, and a personalised visit to Setas de Sevilla.

Flexibility tip: Many tickets and tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your date, which is useful if you want to keep your Seville plans flexible for weather or energy levels.

What You’ll Experience at Setas de Sevilla

Levels & Highlights

Setas de Sevilla is arranged in several vertical layers. A typical visit touches at least two or three of them:

  1. Antiquarium (Underground) — An archaeological museum where you can see preserved Roman mosaics, walls, and early Christian remains discovered during excavations.
  2. Market Level — A modern food market with stalls selling fresh produce, local specialties, and snacks—good for tasting everyday Seville.
  3. Plaza & Events Area — An open public space under the canopy where locals meet, children play, and occasional events, concerts, or performances take place.
  4. Skywalk & Mirador — A ticketed rooftop route with a winding walkway and viewing platforms, offering some of the best photo spots in Seville.

Views, Atmosphere & Photo Spots

Once on the rooftop, you’ll walk along a gently sloping path above the wooden parasols, with different vantage points over the city. Many visitors highlight:

  • Clear views of Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and church domes scattered across the skyline.
  • The contrast between historic rooftops and modern design as you look across the city.
  • Changing colors at sunset and after dark, when the structure is illuminated in warm tones.

Tip: Try to time your visit so you see Seville in daylight and at dusk. Arrive a bit before sunset, enjoy the city in golden light, then stay as the lights come on.

Insider Tips for Visiting Setas de Sevilla

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon and sunset are especially popular thanks to the views and softer temperatures. In hot months, avoid the brightest midday sun on the rooftop and enjoy the shaded levels or indoor areas instead.

Photography & Etiquette

Photography is a major part of the experience, but be mindful of other visitors. Keep tripods and equipment compact, don’t block walkways, and follow any staff instructions about restricted areas or safety barriers.

How Long You Need

A quick visit to the skywalk and viewpoint can take around 45–60 minutes. Add extra time (about 1.5–2 hours total) if you also want to see the Antiquarium museum, the market, and the plaza at a relaxed pace.

What to Wear & Bring

Wear comfortable shoes for ramps and stairs, plus a hat and sunscreen in warmer months. In winter, the rooftop can feel breezy, so bring a light jacket. A small bag, phone, and water bottle are usually enough.

Visitor Cheatsheet — Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)

Location

Setas de Sevilla stands in Plaza de la Encarnación, in Seville’s historic center. It’s an easy walk from the Cathedral, major shopping streets, and the Alameda de Hércules nightlife area.

Getting There

You can walk from most central hotels and monuments, or use local buses and trams that stop near the old town. Taxis and rideshares can drop you close to the square.

Tickets & Timed Entry

Rooftop access usually requires a paid ticket, sometimes with a specific time slot. Booking in advance is recommended in high season, weekends, and evenings.

Accessibility

Lifts and ramps are available, but some areas may have slopes or uneven surfaces. Check the latest information if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility to plan the best route.

Food, Drinks & Facilities

There are cafés, bars, and restaurants in and around the complex, plus toilets and seating areas. You can easily combine the visit with coffee, tapas, or dinner nearby.

Combining with Other Sights

Pair Setas with Seville Cathedral, Real Alcázar, Santa Cruz quarter, or an evening flamenco show for a full day of culture and atmosphere in the city.

Ready to Plan Your Setas de Sevilla Visit?

Build your ideal Seville day: explore the historic center, taste Andalusian tapas, and finish with a skywalk above the city at Setas de Sevilla. Secure your tickets and tours in advance to enjoy the views stress-free in 2025.