The construction of a huge trellis umbrella (or mushroom) resting on several concrete supports in the historic center of the city on the Place Encarnación, was supposed to be completed in 2007. But the complex construction of the floors made of polyurethane-coated wooden beams, the shape of which required the use of computer-controlled machines, slowed down works, therefore the first stage of construction - the market building - is completed only now, and the general commissioning of the complex is scheduled for spring 2011.
Metropol Parasol should, on the one hand, protect the area underneath from the sun, and on the other, supplement it with 4,500 m2 of public space at the top of the umbrella. There will be a café and an observation platform where concerts and film screenings can be held. At street level, the square will be adapted for exhibitions and even sports matches.
Concrete pillars hide wide staircases leading both up to the platform and down underground - to the archaeological museum, where you can see the remains of the structures of the Roman city of Hispalis. It is located directly below the market building, and glazing areas in the market floor will allow visitors to see the antique ruins below it.
