Setas de Sevilla — Attraction in Seville

Setas de Sevilla Review: Mushrooms, Magic, and Minor Malfunctions

Let’s start with the headline: the Setas de Sevilla—officially named Metropol Parasol—is an absolute architectural flex. Built between 2005 and 2011, this honeycomb-meets-flying-mushroom structure is the largest wooden structure in the world and proudly stands in the heart of Seville’s old town like a space-age guardian of tradition. Designed by Jürgen Mayer, it soars 26 meters above Plaza de la Encarnación and is made of laminated timber, concrete, and steel. A controversial build turned iconic landmark, it’s now one of Seville’s must-see, must-climb, must-Instagram attractions.

And yes—it’s stunning. The swooping design contrasts gorgeously with the city’s centuries-old buildings. Walking up through the platforms feels like stepping onto the future while staring down at the past. Juxtaposition level: elite.

If you’re going for the full experience, book those sunset tickets early—trust me. Golden hour from the top is chef’s kiss. The city spreads out in all directions, and you get cathedral views, rooftop layers, and orange-hued skyline all rolled into one panoramic fantasy. Sunset didn’t just deliver—it commanded attention.

Then, there’s the 10 p.m. light show—a dreamy blend of ambient music and flowing lights cast across the wooden canopy. From the top, it’s a sleek, immersive experience… mostly. Here’s the reality check: about 10% of the lights were out. Not enough to derail the show or leave you in darkness, but just enough to break the spell a bit. Like you’re vibing hard, and then bam—a dark patch pulls you out of the moment. It doesn’t ruin it, but it definitely nudges the mood.

Pro tip? You can actually watch the light show for free from the ground level. And it’s still damn impressive. With fewer expectations and a more relaxed view, those swishing lights and soft music take on a mellow magic. So if you’re looking to save some cash—or just want a different perspective—this lower-level experience slaps.

Now let’s talk Feeling Sevilla. This add-on experience brings you up close and personal with Seville from above through a sequence of sweeping city shots and digital visuals. No narration here—just music, fans blowing simulated wind, and pure vibe. It’s dramatic, cinematic, and honestly a great bonus if you’re already there.

Final Score: 3/5 on the Steve Scale. The structure? Incredible. The views? Legendary. The vibe? Elevated. But the light show hiccups—though minor—were enough to remind you that not all that glitters is fully functional. Still, Setas de Sevilla is a wild, wonderful contrast to the city’s ancient charm and absolutely worth a spot on your itinerary.

Tip: Go early for sunset, linger long, and if you hear the lights fizz instead of sparkle—just slide downstairs and soak it in from below. Still magical, minus the...

The Setas de Sevilla, officially known as Metropol Parasol, are a unique architectural structure located in the Plaza de la Encarnación, in the heart of Seville. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, they were inaugurated in 2011 and have become a modern emblem of the city, combining contemporary architecture with a functional space for Sevillians and tourists.

What makes them special? Impressive design: Built in wood and shaped like giant mushrooms, they are the largest wooden structure in the world. Their futuristic design contrasts with the historic character of Seville, creating a fascinating visual dialogue. Panoramic viewpoint: From its top, you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Seville. At sunset, the experience becomes even more magical, with views of the Giralda, the Cathedral, and the rooftops of the city. Multifunctional space: Central Plaza: It is a social meeting place with events, markets, and cultural activities. Antiquarium: In the basement you will find Roman and Muslim archaeological remains that were discovered during construction. Market and restaurants: At the base, there is a traditional market and several bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the local gastronomy. Elevated walkway: The walkways that run along the structure allow for a pleasant stroll while admiring the design and the city.

Tips for the visit: Recommended time: Visit at sunset to enjoy the best views and colors. Admission: Access to the viewpoint is paid, but very affordable, and usually includes discounts for Sevillians. Photography: It is an ideal place to practice urban photography, both day and night, thanks to its...

Great attraction that gives a twist to viewing point platforms! You can access and stay as long as you wish, which might allow you to see the panoramic view during the day and night (if you are patient enough) Upon arrival, There’s a 15min video about Sevilla that is absolutely amazing! It really catches your attention and leaves you wanting to know everything about Sevilla and experience everything it has to offer! Now, I wish I had more time here! Great job with capturing the essence of the province! After the video you are free to walk around the viewing platform. There are umbrellas available to protect yourself from the sun, which in this extremely hot weather is highly appreciated! The audio guide is good and helps you learn about what you are seeing. The only thing that disappointed me a bit was the Aurora light show! I was expecting more. But all in all it was a great experience! I bought tickets for 20:30, in order to see the sunset (at 21:45), it was quite early and involved a fair amount of waiting but it was a good decision as around 9:30 the place was packed.Organise your visit taking this into account! Last but not least, at the end of the visit, when going down through the stairs, you can see many signs explaining how the seats were built, materials used, how the structure is supported, etc. very interesting! There’s a cold water dispenser for free refills next to...