Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau

Barcelona is the birthplace of one of the greatest architectural movements in history: modernism. Because of this, the city is home to a great many buildings that in themselves are works of art, despite having predominantly social uses. An excellent example of this advantageous blend of beauty and utility is the Sant Creu i Sant Pau Hospital, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

The structure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, features abundant stained glass windows, sculptures, gargoyles, and frescoes throughout the various pavilions that the hospital comprises. Its basement gallery, aside from providing underground access between the different buildings, is considered to be one of the world’s greatest civil works.

In addition, throughout this miniature city, detailed ironwork can be found all over, from the operating rooms, to the library, to the emergency room, allowing the hospital’s frenetic daily activity to lend a hand to the ongoing legacy of this masterpiece of Catalan modernism.