Antiquarium

Seville, Spain

Situated in the basement of Metropol Parasol, Antiquarium is a modern, well-presented archaeological museum with sections of ruins visible through glass partitions, and underfoot along walkways.

These Roman and Moorish remains, dating from the first century BC to the 12th century AD, were discovered when the area was being excavated to build a car park in 2003. It was decided to incorporate them into the new Metropol Parasol development, with huge mushroom-shaped shades covering a market, restaurants and concert space.

There are 11 areas of remains: seven houses with mosaic floors, columns and wells; fish salting vats; and various streets. The best is Casa de la Columna (5th century AD), a large house with pillared patio featuring marble pedestals, surrounded by a wonderful mosaic floor – look out for the laurel wreath (used by emperors to symbolise military victory and glory) and diadem (similar meaning, used by athletes), both popular designs in the latter part of the Roman Empire. You can make out where the triclinium (dining room) was, and its smaller, second patio, the Patio de Oceano.

The symbol of the Antiquarium, the kissing birds, can be seen at the centre of a large mosaic which has been reconstructed on the wall of the museum. The other major mosaic is of Medusa, the god with hair of snakes, laid out on the floor. Look out for the elaborate drinking vessel at the corners of the mosaic floor of Casa de Baco (Bacchus’ house, god of wine).

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Details

Founded: 1st century BCE
Category: Museums in Spain

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Julio Costa (10 months ago)
A beautiful archeological museum with ruins discovered under the 'Las Setas' structure. Lovely. Entrance may be free if you purchase the Cathedral or other monuments' tickets.
Simon Rose (14 months ago)
For just a couple of euros it's well worth a visit for 30 mins. If your also going to do the trip out to Italica (9km NW of Seville and 30 mins on he bus) it's not at that level or scale so perhaps come here first but it's nice and worth a visit, possibly doubled up with the "mushrooms"
Bill Emmett-Callaghan (16 months ago)
This is the Setas de Seville, the place to enjoy the sunset and changing colours of the evening sky. A must visit before strolling the beautiful streets of Seville to find a restaurant of your choice ?
Heather Cole (18 months ago)
We accidentally visited on a day in which many local schools were visiting and rushed to stay ahead of them so we could enjoy without feeling crowded. Regardless, this was a nice quaint aquarium to spend an hour or two in and avoid the heat. They had larger and older species than the United States aquariums we have visited. The species within the aquarium were obviously well cared for and loved.
Brisippus (19 months ago)
Small museum/ruins, but very inexpensive entry fee (2,10€) and some interesting information about what was built on the location before the Setas. It’s also a good place to cool off and take advantage of the air conditioning.
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