Crazy architecture in Seville

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking the structure I'm featuring today is a roller-coaster.....but it's not!


It is, in fact, a wooden structure called Metropol Parasol in the old quarter of Seville. It has totally revitalised the Plaza de la Encarnación, and contains a market, shops, and a podium for concerts and events.


The parasol (locally nick-named 'The Mushroom' because of its shape) was completed in 2011, and is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world, and the world's biggest building to be held together by glue - quite a scary thought when you're at the top!


Speaking of the top, the views from the upper level are sensational and well worth the €1.60 fee to get there. You can see right across the whole of Seville, and beyond, and there are signs to tell you about the many interesting buildings that you can see along the way.


The market is worth a wander, and below ground there are impressive Roman ruins so there's plenty to see here. The main attraction for me though, was the trip to the top, and the way the crazy modern structure seems to frame the old buildings of Seville perfectly. Well worth a visit if you're in this stunning city.

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