What was here before Las Setas ?

Before Las Setas de Sevilla, this was the site of Mercado de la Encarnación, the city’s first food market. It was built on the grounds of an old Augustinian convent, Convento de la Encarnación, which gave the square its name.

Over time, the market fell into disrepair due to structural issues, the 1961 flood, and the rise of supermarkets. Eventually, in 1973, it was torn down. For years, Plaza de la Encarnación was mostly forgotten, used as a parking lot and a bus garage until 2004.

When was Las Setas built?

In 2004, the Seville City Council launched an international competition to bring the square back to life. The winner was a daring wooden structure designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer. During construction, Roman and Moorish ruins were discovered. Instead of removing them, the city preserved them, and today, they can be visited in the Antiquarium museum beneath Las Setas.

You might hear it called Metropol Parasol and wonder why it has so many names. Sevillans were quick to nickname it “The Mushrooms” (Las Setas), and the name stuck. The city later made it official after realizing Jürgen Mayer had trademarked “Metropol Parasol”. (And would charge for its use.)

Completed in 2011, Las Setas was controversial and didn’t sprout superfans overnight . Critics argued that its modern design clashed with Sevilla’s historic aesthetic. (And their’s the issue of maintaining it). But from an outsider’s perspective, it’s a breath of fresh air. One thing’s for sure, Plaza de la Encarnación is no longer an empty space. It’s full of life again !

The Walkways of Las Setas de Sevilla

When you arrive at Las Setas, you’re invited to watch a 15-minute panoramic film about Seville. It’s an immersive experience that highlights Andalusian culture—flamenco, bullfighters, music, and beautiful city views. The air conditioning was a big plus on a hot afternoon. Not everyone loves the film, but I did. I thought it was a great way to get a feel for the city if its the first thing you do in Sevilla!

If you like modern architecture, you’ll certainly enjoy Las Setas. Beside the unique structure, under its big parasol roof, there are shops, cafes, and lots of shade perfect fitted for Seville year-round sunny weather. The roof walk might feel a bit pricey for just a high walkway, but with the 250m viewpoint at Las Setas standing 29m tall, you do get amazing views of Seville! Plus, Las Setas is so different from any other attraction in Andalusia, that I didn’t mind the price of the ticket at all. Take your time, stop to see the sights, and if you’re there at sunset, enjoy the show as it gets darker.

The walkway at the top feels a bit like a roller coaster. If you have mobility issues don’t worry, their’s an elevator and 90% of the walkways are accessible by wheelchair. Just be careful if you’re visiting after a rare rainy day in Seville. It gets slippery when its wet!

Aurora Light Show

Las Setas de Sevilla is a great place to visit during the day, but it really comes to life at night with the Aurora light show. The lights and sounds create an immersive experience, and the wooden structure looks amazing when lit up. From the top, you can enjoy views of other historical buildings in the distance, all illuminated at night.

If you’ve already visited earlier in the day and want to come back at night, you don’t need to buy another ticket. Just use your original ticket and join the entrance line. No need for a new time slot!

While it can get busy at sunset, but the light show after dark is totally worth it. You can enjoy it from the ground, too, and the wooden structure looks just as stunning from below. I definitely recommend coming back at night, even if it’s a small detour from your hotel.

What are the architectural ruins below Las Setas de Sevilla?

Under the wooden canopy of Las Setas, there’s a hidden piece of Seville’s history. While building this modern structure, workers unexpectedly found ancient ruins. That’s how the Antiquarium museum was created.

This small museum showcases Roman artifacts like mosaics, pottery, and building foundations dating back to the 1st century CE. You’ll also see parts of a 12th-century Islamic Almohad house and some Visigoth columns. The colorful mosaics are a highlight, along with the remains of an old Roman home.

It’s a quick and affordable visit—just €2.10, or free with your Royal Alcázar ticket. You only need about 10 to 20 minutes to see everything, but it’s definitely worth it!

Hotels close to Las Setas in Seville

It’s always great to stay somewhere central with a view! It’s even better when you know you can visit Las Setas twice for the price of one ticket (more on that in the Tips section). Here are a few hotels I found with great reviews.

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Mid-range	Intelier Casa de Indias	From € 145 / night
Mid-range	Hotel Ateneo Sevilla	From € 182 / night
Mid-range	H10 Casa de la Plata	From € 178 / night
Budget	Ocean Drive Sevilla	From € 118 / night

Tips for visiting the Las Setas

• It’s always a good idea to buy your tickets in advance to save time. Your ticket lets you visit twice within 48 hours. I recommend going during the day first to enjoy the views, then coming back after sunset to see the Aurora light show. If you do this, make sure to keep your ticket. You’ll need to exchange it for a new one at the ticket desk, and since there’s no separate line, you might have to wait a bit.
• Finding the entrance can be a bit tricky. Stand in front of the escalators and go down the ramp to the left. The entrance is on floor -1, where tickets are also sold.
• If you’re not a fan of heights, don’t worry. There are no scary, open views. The metal walkway is always supported by the roof below, and there’s no drop-off. I’m not great with heights, and I felt completely at ease.
• If you’re able to walk, take the stairs beside the gift shop instead of the lift when you’re done. You’ll see some interesting facts about the building as you go down.
• If you want to catch the sunset, get there early since the queues can get long. Check the sunset times online and plan your visit around that. You’ll get amazing views of Seville as the sun sets, and the city will look even more beautiful all lit up.
• Don’t forget your camera— even the most amateur photographer will take some beautiful photos here. It’s also a great spot to get a picture of the Cathedral.
• Anytime is a good time to visit, but I ended my last trip to Seville here, and it was the perfect way to wrap up my visit. With the movie at the beginning, I felt oddly emotional.