625 years of the Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul: visit and activities 2026
The city of Barcelona celebrates this year the 625th anniversary of the founding of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, an emblematic monument with history and art that can be visited in the heart of the Catalan capital. It is the perfect time to take advantage of the special scheduled activities.
Activities begin tomorrow, Saint George’s Day, and will last until November 2026, offering a broad cultural program that complements the visit to this unique modernist complex. The celebration is an opportunity to enjoy the heritage, culture, and history of Barcelona.
A bit of history of the Hospital
The Hospital was born in 1401 with the union of several healthcare centers in Barcelona, the result of an agreement between the Cathedral and the Consell de Cent. That year laid the foundations of the project with the beginning of the Gothic building, the incorporation of other hospitals, and the official confirmation by Pope Benedict XIII.
Since then, the institution has accumulated more than six centuries of history, evolving at the pace of the social, urban, and healthcare changes in Barcelona, becoming a reference in healthcare, education, and research, also with the modernist complex by Domènech i Montaner.
To commemorate this anniversary, a year-round program of activities has been prepared that will combine historical dissemination, institutional projection, and citizen participation.
Visit and access to the Sant Pau Modernist Complex
Tickets and hours
The general admission price to visit the Modernist Complex of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is 18 euros. There are reduced rates and free admission for children under 12, people with disabilities, and residents of Barcelona. Tickets with audio guides, guided tours, and combined tickets including other cultural attractions can also be purchased.
Caro Siri gives us a guided tour of the complex on her YouTube channel and gives us good tips to visit it under good conditions. Thanks, Caro!
How to get there from Sants Station and França Station
From Sants Station, you can take metro line 5 to the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig stop, just a few minutes’ walk from the complex. It is also possible to use urban buses such as line H8.
If you arrive from França Station, the journey is a bit longer, but you can take tram T4 to the Glòries stop and then metro line 1 to the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig stop.
Program of activities to celebrate the 625 years
Highlighted calendar of events
| Date | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| March 15 | Commemorative Day | Concerts, family activities, permanent exhibition, and interactive games at the Modernist Complex |
| April 23 | Saint George’s Day | Free admission days and cultural activities |
| May 18 | Conference on medieval history | Round table with experts from the University of Barcelona |
| May 21 | Vivaldi Choir concert | Musical overview of the Hospital’s history |
| September 13 | Night of Museums Day | Free access and special activities |
| October 1-3 | 48H Open House Barcelona | Guided tours and special opening |
| September 24 | La Mercè | Performances and cultural workshops |
| November | Exhibition at the Library of Catalonia | Main healthcare milestones in the Hospital’s history |
Free and special activities
Throughout the year, you can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, and free admission days on key dates such as Saint George’s Day, the Night of Museums, or La Mercè. Activities designed for families and the general public with live music and interactive workshops in the complex’s gardens are also organized.
To stay informed about the entire scheduled activity agenda, we recommend visiting the official website of the Hospital de Sant Pau.
What to visit and where to eat and stay nearby
Other points of interest in the area
Besides the Modernist Complex, nearby you can visit the Sagrada Família, just 10 minutes on foot, and the Eixample district, full of restaurants and shops. It is also recommended to stroll through the Parc de la Ciutadella, 20 minutes away by public transport.
Recommended restaurants and accommodation
For good food, stand out the restaurant La Paradeta Sagrada Família, known for its fresh seafood, and Casa Monica, with traditional Catalan cuisine close to the complex. If you are looking for accommodation, Hotel Barcelona 1882 and Hotel Ayre Roselló offer comfort and good connection with the city center and the Modernist Complex.
With this program and the tourist options around, visiting the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is a complete getaway for any lover of culture, history, and Barcelona gastronomy.
Take advantage that in 2026 this emblematic space opens its doors stronger than ever. Because it is not just about seeing a monument, but about living an experience with more than six centuries of memory.
