Discover the Magic of Sant Pau Hospital: A Modernist Masterpiece in Barcelona.
Have you ever wondered what a hospital from a fairy tale would look like? If so, you should visit Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona. This is not your typical hospital, but a stunning architectural complex that showcases the beauty and creativity of Catalan modernism. In this blog post, you will learn:
- The history of Sant Pau Hospital and how it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The design of Sant Pau Hospital and how it reflects the vision of its architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner
- The cultural significance of Sant Pau Hospital and how it hosts various social organizations and activities
- How to visit Sant Pau Hospital and what to see and do there
- How to join one of our guided tours at Barcelona Guide Bureau and enjoy a memorable experience
A Brief History of Sant Pau Hospital
The Sant Pau Hospital was founded in 1401 as a result of the merger of six small medieval hospitals. It was originally located near the center of Barcelona, in a Gothic building that now houses an art school and the National Library of Catalonia.
In the late 19th century, the hospital was overcrowded and outdated, and needed a new location and a new design. Thanks to the generous donation of a wealthy banker named Pau Gil, who wanted to honor his father and patron saint, Saint Paul, the hospital was able to acquire a large plot of land in the neighborhood of El Guinardó and commission a renowned architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, to create a modern and functional hospital.
Domènech i Montaner was one of the leading figures of Catalan modernism, an artistic movement that flourished in Catalonia between 1888 and 1911. Modernism was inspired by nature, organic forms, symbolism and nationalism, and aimed to create a distinctive Catalan identity through architecture, art and literature.
Domènech i Montaner designed the Sant Pau Hospital as a complex of 12 pavilions connected by underground galleries within a large green space. He used brick, stone, ceramic tiles, iron and glass to create colorful and ornate facades, domes, towers and sculptures that reflected his vision of a harmonious and humanistic hospital. He also incorporated elements of Gothic, Romanesque and Moorish styles, as well as references to Catalan history and culture.
The construction of the hospital began in 1902 and lasted until 1930. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1978 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 (along with another modernist masterpiece by Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana).
The hospital was fully operational until 2009, when it moved to a new building next to the old one. The old complex underwent restoration and reopened in 2014 as a museum and cultural center. It also hosts several social organizations such as WHO, Banco Farmacéutico, Barcelona Health Hub, EMEA, UN-HABITAT and more.
The Design of Sant Pau Hospital
Visiting the Sant Pau Hospital is like stepping into a fairy tale. You will be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the buildings, each with its own personality and purpose. Here are some of the highlights that you can explore:
- The Administration Pavilion: This is the main entrance to the complex and the most impressive building. It has a monumental facade with sculptures of saints, angels and allegories of medicine. Inside, you can admire the grand staircase, the stained glass windows, the mosaic ceilings and the exhibition hall.
- The Sant Rafael Pavilion: This was one of the patient wards and has a lovely garden with medicinal plants. Inside, you can see how the rooms were furnished and decorated in different periods.
- The Sant Jordi Pavilion: This was another patient ward and has a striking dome with colorful tiles. Inside, you can learn more about the history of medicine and surgery in Catalonia.
- The Surgery Pavilion: This was where the operations took place and has a circular shape with skylights. Inside, you can see some of the original instruments and equipment used by the doctors.
- The Sant Manuel Pavilion: This was where the laboratories were located and has a beautiful cloister with arches. Inside, you can discover more about the scientific research that took place at the hospital.
You can also walk through the underground tunnels that connect the pavilions and see some of the old machinery that powered the hospital.
The Cultural Significance of Sant Pau Hospital
Besides admiring the architecture and learning about the history of Sant Pau Hospital, you can also enjoy some cultural activities such as:
- Guided tours: You can join one of the guided tours (in different languages) that will take you through some of the most emblematic pavilions and explain their symbolism and artistic features.
- Concerts: You can attend one of the concerts (in collaboration with Palau de la Música Catalana) that take place in some of the pavilions or gardens. You will enjoy music from different genres and periods in an amazing setting.
- Workshops: You can participate in one of the workshops (for children or adults) that will teach you some skills or crafts related to health or art. You will have fun while learning something new.
- Exhibitions: You can visit one of the exhibitions (on various topics related to health, art or society) that are displayed in some of the pavilions or halls. You will discover new perspectives or insights on current or historical issues.
- Events: You can join one of the events (such as festivals or conferences) that are organized in some of the pavilions or spaces. You will meet new people or network with professionals from different fields.
You can also access the historical archive where records and documents of remarkable occurrences related to the hospital and city can be found. The archives are open to visitors who offer information to users and researchers with an information service.
How to Visit Sant Pau Hospital
The Sant Pau Hospital is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 7:00 pm from April to October). The entrance fee is 15 euros for adults (12 euros for students or seniors) or free for children under 12 years old. You can buy your tickets online or at
the ticket office.
The Sant Pau Hospital is located at Carrer de Sant Quintí 89-91 in Barcelona. You can get there by metro (line L5 or L4), bus (lines H8 or V21) or bike (there are several Bicing stations nearby).
Conclusion
Sant Pau Hospital is one of Barcelona’s hidden gems that deserves your attention. It is not only a stunning example of Catalan modernism but also a place where history, science, art and culture come together. If you have arrived at Barcelona to visit Catalan modernist buildings, make sure this is at the top of your list.
