Everything you need to know about the Hospital Sant Pau!

The hospital was founded in 1401 and now serves as a part time learning center and attraction for intrigued visitors. It is home to Europe’s largest Art Nouveau complex. Sant Pau contains stunning gardens, unique architecture, and an exhibit of what healthcare was like in the early 20th century. It is truly a sight to see in Barcelona as it is like a city within a city. It is unique any other traditional medical architecture you’ve ever seen.

Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona
Metro (L5): Sant Pau – Dos de Maig
Bus: H8, 19, 20, 45, 47, 50, 51, 92, 117, 192

Well, first of all, this hospital is 600 years old; so there’s so much to be said about this incredible complex. But, here are the basics.

It first evolved with the merging of six hospitals in Barcelona in 1401. At the time, the hospital was located in the center of Barcelona. The hospital is one of the best examples of Catalan Civil Gothic architecture. After five centuries of use, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau needed to be updated.

In 1896, an extremely wealthy banker wanted his estate after his death to be used for a new hospital with all the most innovative technology. The architect for the 27-building hospital complex was Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Because the site would take up around nine city blocks, Montaner connected the structures with underground tunnels. Sixteen of Montaner’s buildings have a Modernist style which is why this site makes up the largest Art Nouveau site in the world. The entire complex was completed in 1930.

In 2009, the Hospital de Sant Pau upgraded to a new building located on the northern part of the complex. Therefore, the historic buildings could be revitalised and ready to be opened to the public in 2014. The site was designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SELF-GUIDED VISIT

November – March
April – October

Monday to Saturday
9.30 – 16.30 h
9.30 – 18.30 h

Sundays and holidays
9.30 – 14.30 h
9.30 – 14.30 h

GUIDED VISIT

From Monday to Friday
English: 10.30 h
Spanish: 12 h
Catalan (only on Friday): 12.30 h

Saturday and Sunday
English: 10.30 h
French: 11 h
Spanish: 12 h
Catalan: 12.30 h

Holidays:
English: 10.30 h
Spanish: 12 h
Catalan: 12.30 h

Guided tours are not available on free entrance days.

Visits in other languages are available (arranged in advance).

The itinerary may be modified depending on the availability of the spaces.

Closing days
1st and 6th January, 25th December.

Free entrance
12th February, 23rd April, 24th September, first Sunday of the month.