Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau

The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, located in Barcelona, is one of the most impressive modernist complexes in the world, designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Built between 1902 and 1930, the complex is an extraordinary example of Catalan modernist architecture and reflects the meeting of aesthetics and medical functionality. The building was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, recognizing its cultural and architectural value. The origin of the hospital dates back to 1401, when it was founded as the Hospital de la Santa Creu through the merger of six hospitals in Barcelona. Over the centuries, this institution has played a central role in the healthcare of the Catalan population. In the late 19th century, thanks to a donation from banker Pau Gil, it was possible to design a new building to meet the growing healthcare needs of the city. The hospital complex covers an area of nine blocks in the Eixample district and consists of a main building dedicated to administration and twenty-seven pavilions connected by underground galleries. Each pavilion is a work of art, decorated with sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass, and dedicated to a saint, reflecting the intended use (men or women). Domènech i Montaner, along with artists like Pablo Gargallo and Eusebi Arnau, integrated Gothic, Neo-Gothic, and Byzantine elements into his designs. The result is a harmonious ensemble of buildings that not only meet the functional needs of a hospital but also offer a visually pleasing and healthy space for patients. The layout of the pavilions, with ample green spaces and medicinal gardens, reflected the theories of the time on the importance of the environment for health recovery. The main pavilion, with its exposed brick facade and sculptures representing theological virtues, is the grand entrance to the complex. Inside, a structure of arches and columns creates the effect of an internal garden, reflecting Domènech i Montaner’s attention to the integration of architecture and nature. Over the years, the Hospital de Sant Pau has continued to evolve. With the beginning of the 21st century, a new headquarters was built to house hospital activities, leaving the modernist pavilions free for rehabilitation and new cultural and social uses. The new complex, inaugurated in 2009, meets modern healthcare needs with a design that combines functionality and innovation. Today, the former hospital complex has become a cultural and research center. The Fundació Privada Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is responsible for managing and conserving the site, promoting charitable and cultural activities. This complex also houses the Institut de Recerca, a center of excellence for biomedical research. An interesting anecdote concerns the orientation of the main pavilion. It is believed that Domènech i Montaner oriented the building at forty-five degrees to the Eixample to take advantage of sea winds and improve natural ventilation, protecting the hospital from diseases. This choice reflects the combination of functionality and attention to detail that characterizes the entire project.