Barcelona is a city whose architectural beauty and grandeur is so great in places that even its old hospitals find second lives as tourist attractions. That’s the case with Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, a large public facility designed in the inimitable Modernisme style by Lluís Domènech i Montaner that throughout the twentieth century served as one of the city’s major hospitals. Medical services have long since moved elsewhere, which means visitors today can stroll the attraction’s beautiful grounds, enjoying its memorable buildings and elegant courtyards while exploring a series of exhibitions that shed light on the history of the site.
History of Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
Though the oldest surviving hospitals in Barcelona have roots that date back to the 1400s, the attraction known today as Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau got its start in 1902, when work began on architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner’s ambitious plan to build a 48-building hospital complex according to the design principles he’d devised as one of the foremost minds behind the Catalan Art Nouveau (or Modernisme) movement. Despite the original plan, only 27 structures actually got built; of these 27 buildings, a mere 16 correspond to Domènech i Montaner’s vision. Nonetheless, the results (completed in 1930 under the guidance of Domènech i Montaner’s son) would become standout features of the already architecturally fabulous Barcelona cityscape.
In 1997, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside another one of Domènech i Montaner’s most famous creations, the Palau de la Música Catalana (which is located 15 minutes away, near such other attractions as Museu d’Historia de Barcelona, Moco Museum Barcelona, and Museu Frederic Marès). Over the course of the next decade, the hospital’s services would be moved to buildings elsewhere in the city. By 2009, enough space had been cleared so that a thorough renovation of the historic hospital could take place. Today, the restored site welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau Highlights
One of the many pleasures of a visit to Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is having the chance to explore the attraction at your own pace during a self-guided visit; this opportunity grants you the time and space to savor the many little design elements and architectural details that make this place special. And from vibrantly colored mosaics adorning tower-like rooftops to breathtaking banks of stained-glass windows, there’s plenty here to appreciate.
Within the interior of one of the site’s oldest buildings, the Sant Salvador Pavilion, you’ll find a series of exhibits that tell the story of medicine in Barcelona over the course of the past 600 years. This permanent installation is full of historic medical artifacts that remind visitors of the beautiful site’s primary purpose: healthcare.
Meanwhile, the Sant Rafael presents a preserved hospital ward, allowing you to experience the space exactly as it would have appeared about 100 years ago. Throughout the year, the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau also stages temporary exhibitions across its grounds on a variety of subjects, topics, and themes.
More to See and Do at Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
With the right preparation, a visit to Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau can become one of your Barcelona trip’s highlights. Here are a few more things to keep in mind while planning your outing.
*There are several ways to visit Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. The simplest option is the so-called “self-guided visit,” which comes with an attraction map and entitles you to peruse the site at your leisure (though most individuals can cover the highlights in 45-60 minutes). For a few euros more, you can upgrade your self-guided visit to include an audio guide. Guided tours of Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau are also available; these last about 75 minutes, but are currently being offered only in Catalan and Spanish. You’ll want to check to see if this has changed prior to your visit.
*Families visiting Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau with children between the ages of six and 11 years old will want to consider purchasing “Family Visit” tickets. This admission package not only gets you and the little ones in the door, but it provides your kids with a backpack, map, binoculars, colored pencils, and age-appropriate explanatory materials.
*Given the significant size of its footprint, it comes as no surprise that Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau plays host to all different types of activities. For an up-to-date list of events, concerts, and more that might be taking place here when you’re planning to visit, check out the attraction’s official website in advance of your trip.
*The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau gift shop is a wonderful place to pick up all manner of Art Nouveau-themed books, souvenirs, and accessories. From affordable knickknacks to heirloom-quality homeware, this well-curated shop has a little bit of something for everyone who holds an interest in Modernisme.
Why Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau Should Be on Your Must-See List
While Antoni Gaudí deserves all the credit he receives—attractions like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló are legendary for a reason, absolutely must-see destinations if it’s your first time in the city—contemporary Barcelona’s sightseeing fixation on works by the original “starchitect” means that many of its other architectural treasures tend to get overlooked. That’s definitely the case when it comes to Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. This sprawling complex is full of beautiful buildings, peaceful courtyards, stylish details, and colorful flourishes. If you’re looking to experience some of Barcelona’s grandest architecture without elbowing your way through crowds, make time to visit Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau.
