Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau

Domènech i Montaner excelled himself as architect and philanthropist with this Modernista masterpiece, long one of the city’s most important hospitals. The whole complex (a World Heritage Site), including 16 pavilions, is lavishly decorated and each pavilion is unique. Among the many artists who contributed statuary, ceramics and artwork was the prolific Eusebi Arnau.

The hospital facilities have been moved to modern buildings and the historic site is slowly being restored. At the time of research, the only way to visit the Modernista hospital was by a 1¼-hour guided tour (adult/senior & student €10/5; hin English 10am, 11am, noon & 1pm), also available in Catalan, French and Spanish. Restoration work may mean these tours are not always held. On the other hand, the site is occasionally unlocked to the public on open days. To reach the former hospital, head north of La Sagrada Família to the end of Avinguda de Gaudí.