The Heart of Andalusia Seville’s Mushrooms
Hola!
Greetings from the heart of Andalusia—Seville!
Last year, one morning, after a sudden burst of courage, I booked a flight with my 3-year-old daughter—arriving in Lisbon and returning from Seville, a journey that would last 13 days. We must have been quite daring because, within this short period, we challenged ourselves by traveling across two countries and seven cities! Exploring Andalusia had always been a dream of ours, but despite knowing that Lisbon itself deserved a dedicated visit, our restless hearts refused to wait any longer.
I first visited Lisbon when I was 20, after attending a workshop at a university in Spain. Back then, I was enchanted by the city. However, during this recent trip, I could swear that the Lisbon I visited now was a completely different city from the one I experienced years ago—though, of course, I have no way to prove it. They say we are born as one person but die as many. As I have changed, so have the cities I visit, or at least, how I feel about them.
Overwhelming heat, crowds, traffic, and streets without sidewalks—these are the inevitable challenges of metropolises. But as someone who adores seafood, I can confidently say: Lisbon is a must-visit! As you can see from the photos, almost every meal we had was absolutely delicious. Yummy!
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After an adventurous three days in Lisbon, we finally made it to Seville—the heart of Andalusia. A city where Islamic and Western architecture merge beautifully, where the food, music, and nightlife create an unforgettable experience. And today, I want to introduce you to one of its most remarkable contemporary structures: Metropol Parasol, or as the locals call it, Las Setas de Sevilla.
If you ever plan an Andalusia tour, you might find our itinerary helpful. We did a lot of research to map out this route, and I can confidently say that it was a fantastic plan. After immersing ourselves in cities rich in history, art, and architecture, we ended our journey with a three-day beach getaway in Marbella. It was the perfect way to relax, reflect on everything we had seen, and, of course, indulge in more seafood!
Seville: The Heart of Andalusia
Located in southern Spain, Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region, a place where the Mediterranean climate is truly felt—scorching summers and mild winters. It is home to Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, famous for its grandeur, vibrant festivals, and deep-rooted traditions. Inside the cathedral, you can also find the tomb of the explorer Christopher Columbus. I used to admire him, but after learning about the atrocities he committed in the Americas for the sake of gold, my admiration quickly turned to disappointment. Centuries pass, but humanity’s struggle with greed remains the same…
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Another iconic landmark of Seville is the Alcázar Palace, a breathtaking example of Islamic and Mudéjar architecture, which is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and still serves as a royal residence. For those unfamiliar with the term, Mudéjar refers to the architectural and decorative style developed by Muslim artisans who remained in Spain after the fall of the Emirate of Córdoba. You’ll see many stunning examples of this style throughout Andalusia, including the famous Alhambra Palace. And for Game of Thrones fans—yes, the Alcázar Palace was used as the setting for the Kingdom of Dorne!
Metropol Parasol: A Modern Icon of Seville
Among Seville’s many historical treasures, one contemporary structure stands out: Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas de Sevilla (Seville’s Mushrooms)—a name I absolutely love! It really does look like it sprouted right in the middle of the historic city.
Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann and completed in 2011, this massive wooden structure was built to bring a new focal point to the city while harmonizing with its historical surroundings. Covering 150 meters in length, 70 meters in width, and reaching 26 meters in height, it is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
Metropol Parasol’s organic form provides both openness and connectivity, serving as a multifunctional space for tourists and locals alike. Underneath its six large mushroom-like canopies, you’ll find:
Bars and restaurants offering local delicacies
A vibrant market area showcasing fresh, traditional products
Cultural spaces that bring energy and dynamism to the city
An archaeological museum on the ground floor, displaying Roman-era ruins
Panoramic terraces at the top, offering breathtaking views of Seville
Unfortunately, when we visited, the terraces were closed, but I’ve read that they provide an incredible sunset view. Maybe you’ll be luckier!
One of the most fascinating aspects of Metropol Parasol is its innovative engineering and design solutions. In a city as hot as Seville, people often hang fabric shades between buildings to block the sun (you’ll see photos of this in the gallery). But when it comes to urban shading, what could be more aesthetically striking than Metropol Parasol itself?
Seville: A City That Never Stops
There’s always something to do in Seville—whether it’s exploring its rich history and architecture by day or indulging in its food and music scene by night. And if you visit, don’t miss a flamenco show in the Triana district on the west bank of the river.
Seville, with its blend of the past and the present, truly captures the essence of Andalusia. And if you ever find yourself wandering through its streets, you’ll feel what I mean—this city is alive.
Have fun, everyone!
Cheers,
