Alicante's New Mushroom Street to Revive Children's Play Areas

La calle de las setas is one of the most viral streets in Alicante. Known by everyone despite its original name being Calle San Francisco, it was once one of the darkest alleys in the city and has now become a must-visit for all tourists.

The street's curiosity lies in the ten papier-mâché mushrooms and two little houses, delighting children, created by artist José María Escrivá. These giant mushrooms, some with faces and small animals on top, are accompanied by a fun and fantastical environment. The pedestrian walkway was painted, like the Yellow Brick Road, with yellow tiles, complemented by green. Children's play areas were added, completing the scene.

Since its inauguration during Mayor Sonia Castedo's tenure, it has been a huge hit for Alicante. Millions of posts on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook by hundreds of influencers and visitors showcase one of the most original streets in Spain, if not the world. Everyone is amazed and leaves a record of their visit to Alicante.

Such has been the success and so many people have visited Mushroom Street that in recent years the area has deteriorated. Broken tiles, some areas without paint; the interiors of the little houses (which had to be locked with padlocks) have become smelly... In short, the effects of overcrowding, which needed addressing.

The Alicante City Council is already on it. The Local Government Board approved on Tuesday the 'Reurbanisation Works of Calle San Francisco', aimed at adapting and improving Mushroom Street, as well as restoring and repairing the elements located there.

The works will mainly consist of cleaning and repairing the pavement in sections, the first being the closest to Plaza Calvo Sotelo, approximately 40 metres long; painting the sidewalks and centres; dismantling, restoring, and repairing the street elements (ten mushrooms and two little houses) and replacing children's play areas (two slides), which were removed to install new ones.

The execution budget for the works amounts to 92,431.34 euros plus VAT, just over 111,000 euros. The project has a completion period of three months.

Thus, Alicante will regain a new Mushroom Street as lustrous and beautiful as the previous one.