The Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden sculpture and the world’s biggest building that is held together by glue. It cost around 123 million euros, took 6 years to build and is held together by a high-performing glue, which was tested to ensure that it would withstand the highest imaginable temperatures in that spot.
It is situated in Plaza de la Encarnación, once a run-down square that was to be regenerated by this sculpture, which would provide a shady canopy for locals and tourists to relax under. Now it is a bustling square, full of people sitting in the sun, teenagers with skateboards and tourists with cameras.
The Metropol Parasol was built on the grounds of a demolished convent, in a square that went on to be used as a car park during the 1980s. When archaeological remains of Roman mosaics and building structures, as well as early Christian ruins, were uncovered, an international competition was designed to decide the future development of the square. The winner of this competition was Jürgen Mayer H.
The structure, which was designed to define a unique relationship between the historical and contemporary city, quickly became a landmark for Sevilla. Below the structure is a small archeological museum, in which the ruins can be seen, and a market hall. A lift takes visitors to the top of the ‘parasol’, often referred to as the ‘Setas de la Encarnación’. At the top a 250 metre long walkway trails around the edges of the structure, offering panoramic views of the city.
TOP TIP: There is a nice cafeteria at the top but expect to pay slightly more than average. The lift to the top is open from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 00:00. The entrance fee is 1.35€ per person. *
SOURCES:
- https://www.theguardian.com/
- https://www.arcspace.com/features/j-mayer-h-architects/metropol-parasol/
- https://www.dezeen.com/2011/04/26/metropol-parasol-by-j-mayer-h/
- https://www.andalucia.com/cities/seville/metropol-parasol.htm
*Opening hours and price in accordance with information on www.andalucia.com at time of posting.
