The Art Nouveau Site of Sant Pau, including the Sant Pau Operating Theatre, is an architectural jewel of Catalan Modernism. I arrive here on a cool November morning. I have walked from my Barcelona accommodation near Las Ramblas not really knowing what to expect. I’m both awed and inspired by what I find.
Sant Pau
Built between 1902 and 1930, Sant Pau was home to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau from 1916 to 2009.
The project was conceived as a city within the city, an exceptional demonstration of the creative genius of Lluis Domènech i Montaner. Montaner is remembered as one of the great European architects. This Art Nouveau Site, which served Barcelona as an innovative, cutting edge hospital, is today a knowledge centre that hosts equally innovative institutions.
See also in this series:
Sant Pau Operating Theatre
The main operating building is located in the middle of the San Pau grounds and through the gardens behind the main administration building. The remarkable operating theatre appears more as a conservatory suitable for fancy afternoon teas than an operating theatre.
Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows and with a half glass roof, the operating theatre is remarkable in its construction. Designed to allow natural light from above and around, there is also a small amphitheatre space for students and professionals. This allowed them to look on and follow the interventions.
The building itself contains a preoperative room on one side of the theatre and a postoperative recovery room on the other side. The upper floor (not currently accessible) had an additional two smaller operating theatres for more minor procedures. The building also housed the photography room (or in modern terms, diagnostic imaging).
Like all the buildings here it is a striking example of architecture. Not only the design of the interior with its stunning operating theatre and purpose built rooms but the striking facade and decorative features.
The windows, statutes and clock tower with steeple give it a religious awe and the detail in the decorative features with saints, flowers and intricate designs are a contrast to the flat and tiled interior, as beautiful as it is.
Good To Know
The Operating Theatre and building is part of the Sant Pau Art Nouveau complex.
There are limits on capacity so be sure to book tickets and a guided tour early. I missed booking the guided tour and ended up with an audio guide. Failing a real guide, an audio guide is highly recommended. There is a lot of signage and, as it’s a large site, it may prove difficult to take in if you’re relying on reading everything. A guided tour would be even better.
Would I Return?
Yes.