Hello everyone, and happy Wednesday! Have you ever heard somebody rave about their hospital experience and utter phrases such as “Wow, that hospital was stunning” or “I really enjoyed my time in the hospital”?
I’m guessing not…unless you’ve got a friend who’s stayed in the beautiful Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona. Which is…totally FREE right now!
Through March 16th, you can get into the hospital for free. Big deal, right? Actually, yes! It’s said to be the biggest modernist complex in the world, and it truly is spectacular. I went on Saturday morning (well, me and about 5000 Catalan grannies who were thrilled at the discount) and honestly felt like I was stealing something. I couldn’t believe something like this was being given to me for free:
It’s free because the hospital is being newly opened after four years of intensive renovation. I’ve only been in Barcelona for two-ish years, so I hadn’t ever seen it unveiled. It’s by the same architect who designed the Palau de la Música Catalana – Lluís Domènech i Montaner, perhaps better known as “the one that’s not Gaudí”.
So if you’re in Barcelona over the next 11 days, I definitely recommend taking a couple hours to visit the Hospital de Sant Pau. After that, the fees go up to €8 (or €5.60 discounted entry), which isn’t terrible considering how much entry to other modernist attractions will cost you.
By the way, who else is stoked that we’re finally in March and spring is on the way? I already feel much better physically for a bit more sunshine, slightly longer days, and slowly rising temperatures.
So naturally I’m taking advantage of the forthcoming spring weather by heading to Oslo tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it, but will definitely be glad to get back to the sunshine!
Besos!
-Jess
Whaaaaaaaat??!?!?! I had NO idea this was even a thing in Barcelona! Totes going to see this and the Palau de la Música Catalana the next time I’m around that area (which is hopefully soon; I’m planning a weeklong Catalunya trip in the future). I wish I could “aprovechar” of the free entry but I’m here in Santiago for the next few weeks, at least. That whole hospital complex looks amazing.
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This sounds really nifty, I wish I were there to take advantage of the special offer!
I know, it is SUCH a good deal. I honestly felt like I was stealing a bit of culture haha.
I can’t wait to see this next time I’m in Barcelona.it looks fabulous!
We will definitely go! Can’t wait!
To be honest, I didnt know that San Pau hospital was closed, I am out of date 🙂
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Oh well! 🙂 There’s still time to go while it’s free and it’s a very beautiful building.
I LOVE hospitals. Seriously. Well, this is purely based on my experience at CPMC in San Francisco. MY hospital. Gosh I’ll miss it. They take such good care of you and my job was so non-stop and stressful, that staying there was like a mini-vacation. Pathetic, right?
I missed this place during my time in Barcelona. It’s gorgeous!
Haha that’s funny, as most people can’t wait to get out of the hospital! Still, comfy bed, nice people, food brought to you – I guess it could be kind of like a vacation!
It is the most awesome place, Jess. I stayed at the Sagrada Familia hotel so it was just a stroll up the road for us, but it wasn’t open to view at the time. Even from outside it was spectacular and I wrote a piece about peeking over the walls. This and the Palau were my Barcelona highlights, if you overlook Gaudi (and how can you!)
Happy travels, Jess!
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Yes, it only just opened up again, and it’s really spectacular. I’ll have a video up about it soon for a little tour!
Wow? That’s a hospital? It seriously has to be one of the prettiest buildings I’ve ever seen!