Hospital de Sant Pau

Hospital de Sant Pau — A portrait of Max Richter · International Music Festival

The Hospital de Sant Pau is one of Barcelona’s most remarkable architectural and cultural landmarks. Conceived in the early 20th century by the celebrated Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the site was built between 1902 and 1930 as a pioneering model of medical architecture and urban planning.

Designed as a “garden city” for healing, the complex is composed of interconnected pavilions set within landscaped grounds, emphasising light, fresh air and open space as part of the therapeutic environment.

Recognised internationally for its artistic and architectural value, Sant Pau was jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, alongside Domènech i Montaner’s Palau de la Música Catalana. Today it is considered the largest Modernist complex in Europe, combining rich decoration, mosaic work, stained glass and thoughtful spatial design that reflects both Catalan Art Nouveau style and a humanitarian vision of healthcare.

For more than 80 years, the site functioned as a fully operating hospital, until medical activity moved in 2009 to a newer facility nearby. Since its restoration and reopening in 2014, the historic pavilions have been revitalised as a cultural and knowledge centre, hosting exhibitions, international organisations, educational activities and public events.

Nestled near the iconic Sagrada Família, Sant Pau today stands not only as a testament to Barcelona’s rich architectural heritage, but also as a vibrant space where history, culture and community intersect.