Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site: Surgery Pavilion

The front facade of the Surgery Pavilion (Casa d’Operacions) is incredibly elaborate with sculptures galore. The doorway features two angels by Paul Gargallo in that distinctive Art Nouveau style. Two spectacular open-mouthed winged dragons protect the emblems on the first-floor balcony and support the two lions that represent the Hospital de la Santa Creu and the City of Barcelona.

On the balcony above the entrance gallery there are several angels and the frontage is crowned by an angel with wings unfolded seemingly about to take flight. Two winged lions sit below.

And on the corners are winged monsters which symbolise the forces of the unknown world, of negativity and of death.

The roof from the rear with a similar angel appealing for divine grace perhaps?
Casa D’Operacions in the centre of the site, and the railings show where the tunnels exit.

Finally another view of the site from the Administration Pavilion with the Surgery Pavilion in the centre and the open layout of the gardens. In front you can just about make out a replica of the cross which formerly stood in the middle of the Gothic cloister at the Hospital de la Santa Creu (1401).

Source: All the information in these Sant Pau posts is taken from the admission booklet. 

How to get there:
Metro: L5 Sant Pau / Dos de Maig or L2 to Sagrada Familia and walk up Avenue de Gaudi
Bus: H8, 19, 20, 45, 47, 50, 51, 92, 117, 192

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Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

12 thoughts on “Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site: Surgery Pavilion”

  1. I guess you need all the angels you can get if you’re going in there for surgery, Jude, but it’s so had to believe this place as a hospital. It’s incredible 🙂 🙂
    Have you solved your techno problems? Good job you are the organised scheduler type 🙂 Wishing you a hassle free, peaceful Easter, with just enough nice weather for a potter in the garden.

    1. Thought I had a workaround, but it didn’t work for long. The screen still gets very, very hot like something is burning away in there. Most disconcerting. I was an IT person, but never worked on laptops and I’m not going to start now! New posts may not happen, but I do have a few scheduled for the week ahead. I can access the photos, but typing on this small keyboard hurts my hands. I know, I am whinging again… 😉

      1. Whinge! You??? 🙂 🙂 Sounds like you need a new one! Easter present to self. Not quite like a bunch of tulips 😦

        1. This machine was very expensive! It replaced my desktop so is a large beast. I just hope it can be fixed or at least the screen disabled/removed.

  3. The last overview shows just how ornate the complex is. More like an art gallery or museum, than a hospital.
    Best wishes, Pete. x

    1. I suppose in its day it was much busier, though the patients were moved along corridors underground from one building to another. Imagine walking in those grounds though as you made a recovery from an illness. Pure delight.

    1. Well thank you so much for all your comments. I may have missed some whilst being away, so sorry if I have. It is a wonderful site though and well worth a visit.

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