Recinte Modernista Sant Pau - Tickets & Visitor Information

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What is Recinte Modernista Sant Pau in Barcelona?

• Recinte Modernista Sant Pau, also known as the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, is one of Barcelona’s most impressive examples of Catalan Modernisme.
• Designed by the renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the former Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Barcelona's most important architectural landmarks.
• The complex features beautifully decorated pavilions, colourful mosaics, gardens, sculptures and underground tunnels that once connected the hospital buildings.
• You can explore the former hospital and learn about the history of one of Barcelona’s most important institutions.

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Quick Information‍

• ‍Address: Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025, Barcelona
• Opening Hours: Daily: 09:30 - 18:30
• Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Ticket Options

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Is Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau Worth Visiting?

• Yes, Recinte Modernista Sant Pau is worth visiting, especially if you are interested in architecture, history or Barcelona’s Modernista movement.
• While many visitors head straight to Sagrada Família, Sant Pau offers a quieter experience with smaller crowds and allows you to explore one of Lluís Domènech i Montaner’s greatest works.
• The combination of colourful architecture, peaceful gardens and fascinating history makes it one of Barcelona’s popular attractions.

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What You Can See At Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

You can access the Main Pavilion, Sant Salvador Pavilion, Sant Rafael Pavilion, underground tunnels and gardens, where you can:

• Admire the colourful Modernista architecture designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
• Walk through the underground tunnels connecting the hospital pavilions.
• Visit the restored Sant Rafael Pavilion to see a recreated 1920s hospital ward.
• Discover the history of medicine in the Sant Salvador Pavilion.
• Relax in the landscaped gardens filled with sculptures and mosaics.

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Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site - Skip The Line Ticket

What's Included

• From: €17.00
• Skip-the-line access to Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
• Entry to the former Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
• Access to the Modernista pavilions, gardens and exhibitions

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About Recinte Modernista Sant Pau

Recinte Modernista Sant Pau was designed by the renowned Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who also designed the Palau de la Música Catalana, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Barcelona.

Domènech i Montaner was commissioned by the hospital board along with the executors of the late Pau Gil, a wealthy banker whose bequest funded the construction of a modern hospital in Barcelona.

The former hospital is known by different names including:

• Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
• Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
• Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
• Sant Pau Hospital

Domènech i Montaner designed the hospital as a group of pavilions and underground tunnels that were built on the site of an old medieval hospital. His original vision was for 48 pavilions, although only 27 were built, and of those, 16 were completed according to his original Modernista design.

He wanted to create an environment that would help patients recover by combining architecture with natural beauty. To achieve this, he incorporated mosaic art, colourful roof tiles, intricate arches and other design elements to try and bring a smile to their faces as they were recovering, and each of the buildings would be dedicated to a different medical speciality.

Lluís Domènech i Montaner passed away in December 1923. His son, Pere Domènech i Roura took over the project and completed it, and in January 1930, King Alfonso XIII officially opened the hospital and it was named Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau.

The complex was declared a Historic Artistic Monument in 1978 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Today, it is one of Barcelona's most important Modernista landmarks.

It was used as a working hospital until 2009, at which point the hospital activities were moved to a new location due to increasing demand and needing more space. The historic buildings were carefully restored and reopened as a cultural and heritage centre, allowing visitors to explore one of Europe's most remarkable former hospital complexes.

The Hospital Pavilions

• The Main Pavilion: This is where the patients were admitted to the hospital. It is also where you can see the underground tunnel entrance points that connect the pavilions and hospital wards that were used to transfer patients between the buildings.
• ‍Sant Salvador Pavilion: The pavilion is used for exhibiting the history of medicine in Barcelona. A range of medical equipment and materials are in show, as well as architectural elements and models. The exhibit shows the history of the hospital's heritage.
• ‍Sant Rafael Pavilion: The Sant Rafael Pavilion has a display showing what the hospital looked like when it was built. It also includes old medical tools and the beds used at the time.
• ‍The Gardens: The Recinte Modernista Sant Pau also has a beautiful garden. Doménech i Montaner took inspiration from the garden city movement in the design. One of the purposes of the gardens was to grow medical plants used for their medicinal purposes on the patients. The gardens are now home to plants from all over the world.

Useful Information About Sant Pau Art Nouveau

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How to Get There

• ‍Address: Recinte Modernista Sant Pau, Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025, Barcelona
• By Bus: H8, 19, 47, 117, or 192 to Sant Antoni Maria Claret-Recinte Modernista stop. From there, it's a short walk to the entrance.
• By Metro: L5 metro to Sant Pau - Dos de Maig station. From there, it's around a 5 minute walk to the entrance.
• By Tram: T4 tram to the Sant Pau stop. From there, it's only a 2 minute walk to the entrance.
• By Car: Car parking is available.

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Recinte Modernista San Pau Opening Hours

• Monday: 09:30 - 16:00
• Tuesday: 09:30 - 16:00
• Wednesday: 09:30 - 16:00
• Thursday: 09:30 - 16:00
• Friday: 09:30 - 16:00
• Saturday: 09:30 - 16:00
• Sunday: 09:30 - 16:00

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