{"id":548454,"date":"2024-10-18T14:05:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T12:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.locabarcelona.com\/?page_id=548454"},"modified":"2024-10-18T14:05:37","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T12:05:37","slug":"hospital-of-the-holy-cross-and-saint-pau","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.locabarcelona.com\/en\/living-in-barcelona\/history-architecture\/hospital-of-the-holy-cross-and-saint-pau\/","title":{"rendered":"Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Pau"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Inicio<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Guide: visiting the Hospital de la Santa Cruz y San Pablo<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The former Hospital de la Santa Cruz y San Pablo has transformed from a healthcare center into a modernist gem, perfect for hosting events and welcoming tourists. In 1997, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. In this guide, we will explore its history, architecture, and the various activities you can enjoy at this unique venue.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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History<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The story of the Hospital of Sant Pau begins in 1401, when the Hospital of Santa Cruz was founded in Barcelona\u2019s Raval neighborhood<\/a><\/span> to care for the numerous residents affected by the Black Plague. This Gothic-style hospital, which now houses the Library of Catalonia, was created by merging six smaller hospitals.<\/p>

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Centuries later, due to Barcelona\u2019s growing population and advances in healthcare, the hospital became too small, prompting the need for a new, larger facility. Thanks to a generous donation from banker Pau Gil, who passed away in 1896 and left half of his fortune to build a new hospital, a new facility was designed by the renowned Catalan modernist architect Llu\u00eds Dom\u00e8nech i Montaner.<\/p>

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Construction of the new hospital, located about six kilometers from the original site, began in 1902 in the Horta-Guinard\u00f3 district<\/a><\/span>. The new facility was named the Hospital of Santa Cruz and Sant Pau in honor of its benefactor, Pau Gil. Although Dom\u00e8nech i Montaner initially planned for 38 pavilions, one for each medical specialty, only 27 were completed. Between 1902 and 1913, 13 pavilions were built, and from 1920 to 1930, Dom\u00e8nech\u2019s son, Pere Dom\u00e8nech i Roura, added six more, reflecting a more contemporary style as Catalan modernism was no longer in vogue.<\/p>

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In 2000, to meet new healthcare demands, a new hospital was constructed on the northern part of the site and opened in 2009. This allowed hospital functions to move to the new building, while the modernist pavilions underwent restoration. Today, these spaces serve different purposes\u2014some house organizations and research centers, while others are open for tours and cultural events.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Interior\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The former hospital spans nine blocks in Barcelona\u2019s Eixample district and once accommodated 1,000 patients. It stands as a prime example of modernisme, a style also seen in landmarks such as the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia, La Pedrera, and Casa Batll\u00f3. The building\u2019s facades are adorned with mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures, while the main entrance features a grand staircase leading to the administrative area, flanked by a library and office spaces.<\/p>

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Llu\u00eds Dom\u00e8nech i Montaner was inspired by the best hospitals in Europe during the 20th century, which embraced a hygienic approach focused on preventing diseases, especially during times when contagious illnesses were common. The hospital\u2019s layout separated medical services and left space between them to reduce the spread of infections. Gardens played a key role in the design, serving not only to divide the pavilions but also to offer open spaces for patients, aiding in their recovery. The buildings\u2019 large windows and design allowed natural light and air to flow through, which was believed to benefit patients\u2019 health.<\/p>

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The 27 pavilions were connected by underground tunnels, used to transport patients without risking contamination. This pavilion-garden-tunnel structure followed principles of symmetry and harmony, which were thought to enhance patient well-being. Even the pavilions were divided by gender\u2014those on the east side were for men, while the west side housed women. This separation was evident even at the main entrance, with separate doors for men and women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Events and activities<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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While some pavilions remain closed to the public, as they house organizations or research teams, several key spaces can be visited. The San Rafael, San Salvador, and administrative pavilions, along with the underground tunnels and gardens, are open to the public and frequently host concerts, performances, and even film shoots.<\/p>

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Throughout the year, Sant Pau offers a wide range of events and activities<\/a><\/span>, from candlelight concerts to exhibitions and conferences on the hospital\u2019s history and health-related topics.<\/p>

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One of the most popular events takes place during the Christmas season, when the buildings are decorated with festive lights. Visitors can explore over 20 installations featuring art, science, and more. A highlight is the ice skating rink, set up in the basement of the convent building. Every year, both children and adults enjoy a unique skating experience during the holidays.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Find your dream apartment in Barcelona<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your project.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Plan your visit\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere is the Hospital of Sant Pau?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

It\u2019s located at Calle de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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You can take the metro to Guinard\u00f3 (L4) and walk for five minutes or get off at Sant Pau\/Dos de Maig (L5) and walk for eight minutes.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Visiting hours are from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, but may vary during special events.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Ticket prices vary depending on whether you choose a self-guided, guided, or audio tour. Check the official website<\/a><\/span> for options and remember to book in advance.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Yes, during events like Museum Night or if you are unemployed, under 12, or fall under other specific categories. Check the official website to see if you qualify for free entry<\/a><\/span>.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Information about these tickets is usually available on the official website<\/a><\/span> a few weeks before the holiday season begins.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The hospital is located in the Baix Guinard\u00f3 neighborhood, on the border between Horta-Guinard\u00f3 and Eixample. Nearby, you can enjoy restaurants<\/a><\/span>, explore Aig\u00fces Park, visit the old Estrella Damm factory, or walk down Gaud\u00ed Avenue to the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia<\/a><\/span>.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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If you\u2019re considering renting a vacation apartment in Barcelona<\/a><\/span>, the Horta-Guinard\u00f3 district offers the tranquility of a residential area with excellent public transport links to explore the city.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Don't miss out on what there is to do in Barcelona <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Restaurants in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Best Bars in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Transports in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What to do and see in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Barcelona Festivals<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Architecture in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Contact us<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Do not hesitate to contact us if you have a question or would like to discuss your project.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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