Domenech i Montaner's Barcelona Pass

Recinte Modernista Sant Pau Fun Facts

• A Modernist Masterpiece by Domènech i Montaner: Designed by the renowned Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Sant Pau is one of the most significant examples of Catalan Modernisme (Art Nouveau) architecture. Domènech i Montaner is also the genius behind other iconic buildings like the Palau de la Música Catalana.
• A "City Within a City": Sant Pau was conceived as a garden city for healthcare, with 27 interconnected pavilions. Each building was thoughtfully designed with natural light and ventilation, creating a tranquil environment for patients and staff.
• Inspired by Nature: Domènech i Montaner incorporated natural motifs like flowers, plants, and animals into the design. The colourful ceramic tiles and mosaics were filled with symbolic elements meant to foster healing and positivity for the patients.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1997, Sant Pau, along with the Palau de la Música Catalana, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architectural and cultural significance!
• From Hospital to Cultural Center: After serving as a hospital for over a century (1902–2009), the site was restored and reopened in 2014 as a cultural and historical complex. It now hosts exhibitions, events, and guided tours.
• Built with the Patient in Mind: Domènech i Montaner designed the hospital with innovative features for its time. Separate pavilions were dedicated to different specialties, and underground tunnels connected them, ensuring efficient and discreet patient transfers.
• ‍A Mosaic of Healing: The intricate mosaics throughout the complex aren't just decorative; they incorporate religious and allegorical symbols, like saints and protective figures, believed to aid in the healing process.