The Art Nouveau Site of Sant Pau, including its tunnels, 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 in 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.
After entering the Administration building (above) and learning about the Hypostyle Hall, I enter the Tunnels.
The Tunnels
Off the Hypostyle Hall, I enter the Sant Pau Tunnels, an interesting feature of the complex. This series of underground tunnels, specifically designed by the architect, connect the different medical pavilions to one another.
The pavilions include the San Salvador, San Rafael and the Carmen Pavilion as well as the central operating theatres and the convent. The Sisters Hospitallers lived in the convent; they were responsible for caring for the sick as well as for running the pharmacy and kitchen.
Over the years, these tunnels were put to other care uses. At times they were even used for patient care when the wards were overrun. There is a kilometre of underground galleries in total, all of which are currently accessible as a result of the UNESCO listed site’s rehabilitation.
The architect, Montaner, conceived these tunnels with the same remarkable aesthetics, hygiene and functionality as the rest of the complex. The white tiled ceiling and walls are invariably curved. This makes them easier to clean, preventing dirt and bacteria from accumulating.
Montaner’s goal was always to create an aesthetically pleasing place of well-being, tranquillity and rest for the sick. Even in the most mundane of spaces, he was able to achieve this at Sant Pau.
Good To Know
The tunnels are 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. Hiring 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. To Sant Pau, though not just for the tunnels.