Is the Hospital de Sant Pau one of Barcelona’s most beautiful buildings? There are a few hot contenders, but personally I think it’s a yes. There are other, far more famous structures around the city, but personally I think few are worth paying the entrance fee for. (Unless you’re super interested in architecture. The prices are sky-high.) The Hospital de Sant Pau is one of the few that I recommend every time.
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Good old fashioned Modernisme
The Hospital de Sant Pau (aka, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau) is, hands down, the most beautiful hospital I’ve ever stepped foot in. In fact, if Eastbourne DGH looked as lovely as this building does, maybe I wouldn’t faint every time I enter.
The complex of 12 buildings was constructed between 1901 and 1930, and designed by architect and politician Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The Catalan Modernist movement was really taking off during these years, and the moustached, bespectacled architect was a key player in this.
What is modernisme? Well, picture Brutalism- harsh, concrete, and purely functional- and then imagine the exact opposite.
Modernisme used flowing lines and fantastical colours, taking huge influence from the natural world, and as the trend took off, Barcelona’s streets became a huge canvas for some truly incredible pieces of architecture. And although Antoni Gaudi is definitely the more well-known of all Barcelona’s modernist architects- he did design the Sagrada Família, after all- my favourites are actually those designed by old Lluís.
You can find buildings designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner all over Barcelona, but also over in Palma de Mallorca and in other parts of Catalunya; and one of the most beautuful is the Palau de la Música Catalana. If you visit no other buildings in Barcelona, visit the palau and the hospital, pals! They are absolute beauts!
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The Hospital de Sant Pau
A hospital has existed on this exact site since the middle ages, but this glorious piece of art only came into being in the early 20th century. And although it truly is artistic, with stunning mosaics, turrets and gargoyles forming the finishing touches of its structural genius, the hospital was designed completely with the needs of its patients and medical professionals in mind.
There are plenty of wide open spaces, outdoor areas and clever use of natural light and air, to provide the ideal environment for rehabilitating patients. The architect believed that being in beautiful surroundings only helps the healing process, and personally I like his thought process. Good lad! (It surely can’t hinder it, am I right?)
The hospital became known as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, but in 2009 patients and staff were moved to newer buildings with more modern hospital equipment nearby.
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How to visit the Hospital de Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
The Hospital de Sant Pau is open from 9.30am-6.30pm April-October, and 9.30am-5pm November-March.
You can risk turning up and buying a ticket for the Hospital de Sant Pau at the door, but bear in mind that you might have a bit of a queue. Check prices and book your tickets in advance here.
The closest Metro station is Sant Pau | Dos de Maig, on the blue/L5 line.
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