The Backpackers Hostel Blog

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“The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau” -Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul (UNESCO World Heritage Site) dates back to 1401 when six hospitals in the city merged, forming the Hospital de la Santa Creu. With the growth of the city and the advances in medicine in the 19th century, the centre was unable to meet the demands of the time and construction of a new building was proposed.

Thanks to the legacy of Pau Gil, a banker, on January 15, 1902 the first stone of the new building was laid. “Sant Pau” was added to the old name of “la Santa Creu” to honour the wishes of its benefactor. The architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner was commissioned with the project. Over the years, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau has become the most significant public building in Catalan modernisme.

600 years of history
Poster designed by Antoni Tàpies for the 600th anniversary
In 2001 the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau celebrated its 600th anniversary. Since it was first founded in 1401 it has undergone constant development. Its original mission – to serve the poor and pilgrims according to Christian Charity – has evolved to needs of today, to be a community-based, patient-focused reference centre. (Taken from http://www.santpau.es).

Address: Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167 How to go there

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* Photo taken from www.wikimedia.org