Spain’s Metropol Parasol is Like a Giant Waffle Roller Coaster That Soars Over Seville

Inhabitat has covered Spain's stunning <a href="http://www.metropolsevilla.com">Metropol Parasol</a> in the past - and we even <a href="http://inhabitat.com/video-inhabitat-interviews-metropol-parasol-architect-juergen-mayer-h/3/">interviewed the project's designer</a> <a href="http://www.jmayerh.de/home.htm">Jürgen Mayer</a> - but this is the first time we've actually had a chance to visit the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/metropol-parasol-the-worlds-largest-wooden-structure-opens-in-seville/">world's largest wooden structure</a>, and it's like walking on a giant waffle roller coaster! Comprised of six curvilinear parasols that reference the nearby Cathedral of Seville, the 85-foot-tall monument constructed of bonded timber with a polyurethane coating has drawn scores of visitors since it opened last year. Flip through our gallery for a close look at all four levels and hit the jump to learn more about what makes this project so special.

Inhabitat got to visit the Metropol Parasol in Spain for the first time!

This is the world's largest timber structure

It is located in the old quarter of Seville in southern Spain

It is 490 x 230 feet wide and 85 feet tall

Construction commenced in 2005 and was completed in April, 2011

The Metropol Parasol is one of the most visited structures in all of Seville

The six parasols reference the nearby Cathedral of Seville

It is constructed mostly out of bonded timber with a polyurethane coating

There are four levels (this is the uppermost)

This is just one of the parasols

Close up of the bonded timber panels

The ramps wind around the enormous structure like a giant roller coaster

Seating and even a restaurant are available

The Metropol Parasol has some of the best views of the city

It takes about 45 minutes to explore all four levels

We love the fluid dynamic of the place, as well as the fun lighting and shadows

Roller coaster, right?

The project was designed to revive an ancient open air marketplace

Notice the city in the far background.

It cost roughly 100 Euros!

It costs less than 2 Euro to visit

This is the old city, which has a long and interesting history

Although this structure is very sturdy, it's hard not to get a little seasick up here

The parasols curve and were originally designed to mimic fungus

This is outdoor seating for the restaurant

The bonded timber panels look like giant waffles

The white buildings in the background are typical of Andalusia

This is where the open air marketplace is held

Notice the small tents on the ground... these give a sense of the project's incredible scale

Wheeeeee

This is the staircase leading out from the underground Antiquarium

Even the elevator is cool!

Learn all about the site's history as well as the project's controversial development in the underground Antiquarium (in Spanish)