One of the most architecturally valuable buildings in Barcelona is the pavilion complex of the former St. Paul's Hospital (Sant Pau).

The entire complex was designed by the famous Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and is considered, along with the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall, the crowning achievement of Catalan modernism. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Hospital Sant Pau

Discover an undiscovered monument

The complex of 26 buildings was built in record time between 1901-1903 and served as a hospital until 2009.

After that, a brand new hospital was opened a block away and this building was converted into a museum of Catalan modernism and a cultural centre after a 5-year renovation.

For now, it is a rather lesser-known Barcelona landmark, but definitely worth a visit for anyone with even a passing interest in architecture.

Hospital Sant Pau

Admission and opening hours

The central outdoor area between the pavilions is open to the public, as well as several buildings that house displays about the history of the hospital.

The tour will take approximately 30-40 minutes.

The grounds are open daily from 9:30 am. During the winter months, the last entry is at 4:30pm, while during the summer it is not until 6pm.

Tickets can be purchased on site and online for the same price 18 eur.

Official website: santpaubarcelona.org/visites

Location and transport

Sant Pau Hospital is located about 500 metres from the Sagrada Familia, which is a few minutes' walk away. You can of course also use public transport.

Metro - Sant Pau | Dos de Maig station about 100 metres - line L5
Bus - Cartagena - Av Gaudí stop right outside the entrance - lines 191, 192, V23 or Dos de Maig - Sant Antoni Maria Claret stop approx. 150 metres - lines D50, V23

The entrance to the historic part of the hospital is from the south of the site.

Do not take the yellow metro line L4 to the station "Guinardó - Hospital de Sant Pau", where the main entrance to the modern part of the hospital is. From there you would have to walk about 750 metres to the historic area.