Its beginnings were hard. At first, not everyone appreciated its curious beauty and there were many who criticized its construction. However, with time and, we imagine, custom, the Setas de Sevilla managed to convince their neighbors and now, as Sevillian tradition dictates, they are defended tooth and nail against the most skeptical.
These gigantic mushrooms that preside over the Plaza de la Encarnación, in addition to gaining a place in the hearts of the Sevillians, have also managed to conquer their visitors. It is the largest wooden monument in the world and in 2022 was the second most searched place on Google. Almost nothing! A surprising title only surpassed by the Sky Garden in London.
The Metropol Parasol, from its heights, offers one of the best views of Seville and walking around it is an experience, to say the least, unique. However, the Seville Mushrooms offer many more options. These are some of the things you can do in them.
1. Eating tapas
Ironically, considering that it is one of the most beloved bars in the Setas de Sevilla, in the menu of Cafe-Bar Los Alcázares there is no trace of mushrooms. Neither mushrooms or níscalos or shitake or anything like that. However, in its menu there is a long list of tapas and portions of traditional inspiration but with pleasant surprises.
The place is quite nice and stopping by is a very good option if you are looking to fill your stomach after a long day of sightseeing.
2. Have a good cocktail at La Gorda de las Setas in Seville.
Not everything was going to be eating. Las Setas de Sevilla also offers the possibility of enjoying a good cocktail in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. And a very good place for that is La Gorda de las Setas. There are few things better than drinking a cocktail with friends one random afternoon, and one of them is to do it in the center of Seville, with music in the background and your foot following the rhythm without you noticing. And that’s what this place offers: a wide range of drinks to drink quietly on the terrace, or in one of its air-conditioned rooms if the weather is not good.
3. Buy fresh (and tasty) at the Mercado de la Encarnación.
Seville’s oldest market is surprisingly located in one of the Andalusian capital’s most modern landmarks. The Mercado de la Encarnación was inaugurated in 1842 and demolished in 1973 due to structural problems. It was not until 2010, 37 years later, when the new market opened its doors, now included in the network of giant mushrooms that forms the Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer.
Although this new market has little to do with the original, located on the site of a medieval convent, the spirit of this marketplace remains largely intact. It is still the ideal place to find fresh, quality produce, but also to get culinary tips from its ever-wise vendors.
4. Enjoying a candlelit concert
The interior of the Metropol Parasol is probably one of the most hidden secrets of the city of Seville. And not because its access is complex, but because not many people know what is inside its structure. Among its hollowed walls, we can find an immersive room in which all kinds of images, sounds and smells are projected! Here, from time to time, magical candlelight concerts are held.
Candlelight concerts, which pay tribute to iconic bands such as The Beatles or ABBA in a unique atmosphere surrounded by hundreds of candles, have chosen the Setas de Sevilla as one of their favorite venues in the city. In them take place recitals in classic tones that have already conquered thousands of spectators.
5. Try La Mala’s brunch
It is neither breakfast nor lunch. Brunch has landed in Seville and has revolutionized the meal schedule of all of us. Eggs Benedict, bagels, sandwiches or even burgers at noon. This is the proposal of some restaurants like La Mala Brunch, one of the most fashionable places of the Seville Mushrooms.
Would you like to try a Brazilian açai, a brioche with avocado or a toast with mushrooms to be able to say that you are eating mushrooms in a mushroom? La Mala Brunch is your place. A different plan to do on Sundays (or any other day of the week).
6. Learn at the Anticuarium Museum
The works of Metropol Parasol uncovered some architectural remains in quite good condition. Specifically, sites from the Roman period and an Almohad Islamic house from the 12th and 13th centuries. Fortunately, these remains decided to be preserved and the building of the Setas de Sevilla was adapted to this surprising discovery.
The Antiquarium Room was the result of this beneficial change of plans (and plans). It features a large glass membrane that surrounds the entire space and allows you to enjoy these architectural remains and learn about how people lived centuries ago. A journey into the past from one of the most futuristic buildings of the Andalusian capital.