Hospital de Sant Pau

Overview

The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is a UNESCO-listed Modernista complex designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner — a city of colourful pavilions connected by underground tunnels, rivalling Gaudí's works in ambition and beauty.

Highlights

• The Pavilions: 27 buildings covered in mosaics, stained glass, and sculptural ornamentation — each ward was designed as a healing garden pavilion.
• Underground Tunnels: A network of tunnels connects the pavilions, keeping service traffic separate from patients.
• Restoration: Painstakingly restored and reopened as a cultural centre, with exhibitions in the former operating theatres.

Visitor Tips

• Gaudí Connection: Walk down Avinguda de Gaudí directly from the Sagrada Família to Sant Pau — a 10-minute stroll.
• Audio Guide: Included with admission and well worth using.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.