A former Gothic hospital in the heart of the Raval
Old Hospital de la Santa Creu Barcelona: Visit and History
The former Hospital de la Santa Creu is one of the great civil Gothic complexes in the Raval. Founded in the early 15th century, it was the main hospital of Barcelona for several centuries. Today, its buildings house the Library of Catalonia and several cultural institutions.
A grand Gothic complex in the Raval, a former medieval hospital in Barcelona, now home to the Library of Catalonia and other cultural institutions.
- Civil Gothic
- In the Raval
- Inner Courtyards
- Free Entry to Outdoor Spaces
At a Glance
The Former Hospital de la Santa Creu at a Glance
| Catalan Name | Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu |
|---|---|
| Type of place | Historic former hospital |
| Style | Catalan Civil Gothic |
| Neighborhood | El Raval – Ciutat Vella |
| Address | Carrer de l’Hospital, 56, Barcelona |
| Foundation | 1401 |
| Must-See Attractions | Courtyards, Gothic galleries, ancient hospital rooms |
| Visit Duration | Approximately 20 to 30 minutes |
| Metro | L3 Liceu |
| Current Occupation | Biblioteca de Catalunya and Cultural Institutions |
| Good to Know | Not to be confused with the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau |
Not to be missed
What to See at the Old Hospital de la Santa Creu?
© Enfo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Inner Courtyards
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Gothic Galleries
© Josep Renalias, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Old Hospital Rooms
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
La Casa de Convalescència
Don't make it a destination on its own: stroll through the courtyards during a walk in the Raval.
It's particularly interesting for its atmosphere, its Gothic architecture, and the contrast with the bustling streets that surround it.
Since 1401
The History of the Hospital de la Santa Creu
The Hospital de la Santa Creu was founded in 1401 to consolidate several small hospitals in Barcelona into a single establishment. For centuries, it served as the main hospital center of the city.
By the end of the 19th century, the buildings had become too small and unsuitable for new medical requirements. The hospital was gradually moved to a new complex built further north in Barcelona.
In 1929, hospital activities permanently left the Raval.
Beware of Confusion
Santa Creu or Sant Pau?
The former Hospital de la Santa Creu is located in the Raval and primarily dates back to the Gothic era.
It should not be confused with the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, built between 1905 and 1930 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This large modernist complex, now known as the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, was specifically constructed to replace the old hospital, which had become too small.
In El Raval
The Former Hospital de la Santa Creu in the Heart of El Raval
The former hospital is located very close to the Boqueria, the Rambla del Raval, the MACBA, the CCCB, and the Church of Betlem.
It's an easy stop to include on a stroll through the neighborhood.
Things to See Nearby
What Other Monuments to Visit?
Also, check out our selection of Barcelona's monuments.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sant Pau del Camp
The Sant Pau del Camp Monastery is one of the few remaining significant examples of Romanesque art preserved in Barcelona.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Palais Güell
The Palau Güell is one of Gaudí's early masterpieces, just a few minutes' walk away.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem
The Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem is one of the main Baroque churches in the historic center, near La Boqueria.
FAQ
FAQ: Old Hospital of the Santa Creu Barcelona
This is the former grand hospital of Barcelona, founded in 1401 and located in the Raval until the early 20th century.
The courtyards and some areas of the complex can be explored as part of the institutions that currently occupy the buildings. However, it is not organized as a traditional tourist attraction.
No. The old Gothic hospital is located in the Raval. The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, much more recent, was built at the beginning of the 20th century to replace it.