Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, Barcelona

Art Nouveau hospital complex, one of Barcelona’s hidden gems

Built between 1902 and 1930, this building is an extraordinary example of modernist architecture, designed by Lluis Domènech i Montaner. Home to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau between 1916 and 2009, in 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2009 the last of the patients were transferred elsewhere to allow for extensive restoration work.

It really looks more like a palace than a hospital. Striking bright red brickwork of the facades is complemented by bottle-green window frames and vibrant blue, green and yellow ceramic tiles that decorate the domed roofs. The interior walls are clad with fresh, light turquoise tiles, which compliment the rich and lavish colours on the outside. Each pavilion has a circular room with large windows and mosaic-covered ceilings, for patients to recuperate in a pleasant environment. The main administration pavilion grants us an unobstructed view of the Sagrada Familia that is just down the road.

The ‘park hospital’ was, and still is a novelty idea, which prioritises the well-being of the patients. The complex occupies an entire block; almost 30 buildings are spread out symmetrically in the park, with each pavillion boasting two garden areas. A wide tree-lined promenade runs down the centre, and the flower beds are filled with medicinal plants such as laurel, rosemary, lavender and lemongrass, creating a very special and relaxed environment, completely different to the cheerless and overly sterile environment that we normally associate with hospitals.

But it’s not just a pretty face, this complex is also an example of sustainable construction; over 400 wells, each over 100 metres deep provide a geothermal heat supply to the complex. It was also built on a slope, allowing the warm air to naturally pull the bacteria and viruses up and away from the patients. Also notable is the complex tunnel system which runs beneath the complex, allowing patients to be moved around easily.

In keeping with the original aims of the institution, some of the pavillions now house international projects which are working towards improving citizen’s living conditions through sustainability, health and education.

Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

C. Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona

Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona: All year

Opening Hours

Monday:
10:00 - 14:00
Tuesday:
10:00 - 14:00
Wednesday:
10:00 - 14:00
Thursday:
10:00 - 14:00
Friday:
10:00 - 14:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 17:00
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