Magic Mushrooms And An Antiquarium

I haven’t been around again for a few days because my allergies are lingering and so is my whining. Maybe this will be the day I turn the corner.

One of the must-sees in Sevilla is the Metropol Parasol, now more commonly known as “Las Setas.” (Click here for my blog post from 2011.) When looking to replace the aged public market on Plaza de la Encarnación, there was a plan to build underground parking and then a new public market. However, any construction requires an archaeological survey and this one turned up a national treasure.

(Click any image to discover the beauty and history.)

APPROACHING LAS SETAS.

Beneath the plaza was the history of Sevilla dating back to around 150 BC — when it was the Roman city called Hispalis and Emperor Tiberius was in power. Construction of the underground parking garage, of course, was stopped. What appeared in its place was an underground antiquities museum with a new public market above. Topping it all off is the worlds largest wooden structure.

REMAINS OF A HOUSE. (BACKGROUDND: COMING DOWN FROM MODERN STREET LEVEL TO ENTER MUSEUM)

ROMAN FISH SALTING PLANT

RESTORED FLOOR MOSAIC IN ONE OF THE HOUSES.

A HOUSE CALLED LAS COLUMNAS.

MOSAICS IN THE LAS COLUMNAS COURTYARD.

A TOUR GUIDE.

WHAT THE TOUR GUIDE WAS TALKING ABOUT.

As I mentioned, the original name of the structure was “Metropol Parasol,” but because so many people thought it looked like mushrooms, it become popularly (or unpopularly) known as “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms). The gift shop sells Las Setas–branded gifts. So, clearly, it’s taking over as the official name.

CHRISTMAS MARKET ON THE UPPER PLAZA IN MIDDLE ENTRANCE TO UNDERGROUND ANTIQUARIUM AT LEFT.

Going up to the top of the structure (by elevator) gives you the opportunity to walk the loops and get rare views of the city. The walkways meander free-form and shake a bit as you go. In 2011, San Geraldo, who is not a big fan of heights (or trembling walkways), took a few steps onto the beginning of the walkway and went right back downstairs. This time, he made it quite a bit further.

SAN GERALDO IN 2011… BEFORE HE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING. THERE ARE NOW CAFES AND RESTAURANTS UP THERE.