In 2009, after more than a century of service, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau ceased its medical activity, as the historic buildings could no longer meet the needs of modern healthcare. Medical services were moved to a new facility built nearby, while the historic site was given a new life through an ambitious and comprehensive restoration project.
Work began in 2010 and posed a major challenge.
It was not just about cleaning façades or restoring mosaics, but about bringing back the soul of the building — the fusion of beauty and functionality that lay at the heart of Domènech i Montaner’s vision.
The restoration involved recovering original materials, colors, and decorative elements.
The domes were reconstructed using glazed ceramics identical to those from the early 1900s, the stained-glass windows were carefully reassembled piece by piece, and the underground tunnels were reinforced and transformed into technical and exhibition spaces.
Today, the pavilions host international foundations and organizations dedicated to fields such as global health, education, and sustainability.
The complex has also become one of Barcelona’s most beautiful conference venues, hosting cultural events, exhibitions, and conventions throughout the year.
Walking through the restored pavilions today, you can still see the original splendor of Catalan Modernisme: the red brick, colorful mosaics, golden domes, and geometric gardens.
And yet, behind this apparent timelessness, everything has been adapted to present-day needs, with modern infrastructure and sustainable solutions that respect both the environment and the memory of the place.
An interesting fact: During the restoration work, several original documents from Domènech i Montaner’s time were found in the site's underground areas — perfectly preserved. These included drawings, letters, and technical notes, revealing the incredible precision with which the architect planned every detail. This discovery allowed the restoration team to bring back not only the complex’s original appearance but also its authentic spirit.
1 hour of use
Unlock Artificial Intelligence (AI) and enhance your experience
Do you want to explore even more or discover cities not yet covered by the app?
Activate our AI.
It will guide you with the same engaging tone, answering your curiosities in real-time.
