These two monuments of the Catalan Modernisme by Lluís Domènech i Montaner are at least as impressive and spectacular as the works of his more famous contemporary Antoni Gaudi. The magnificence of the sites are adequately described by the previous reviews. So just a few recent information that might be of interest for future visitors.

The historic buildings of the Hospital de Sant Pau are no longer in use as a hospital (since 2009). On our visit in May 2014, the renovation was almost complete. The central area of the complex can be visited either with a guided tour (14 Euro) or self-guided (8 Euro). This zone comprises the most fascinating buildings: the administration building, eight large and two small pavilions, and the central pavilion (the former surgery building). Three pavilions are open to visitors: the administration building with the amazing main hall, a small pavilion (Sant Jordi) with an exhibition about the restoration, and the Sant Rafael pavilion whose interior has been restored in the original design, so that you get an impression how it would have been as a patient here. All other pavilions are or will in the future be used as offices for academic institutions. The buildings outside the museum area houses facilities of the new hospital and the university and are not accessible. These buildings were completed after Montaner's death by his son Pere Domènech i Roura. Unfortunately the church was closed for renovations and there were still some building site fences in the outer areas. So perhaps the visitor area will be extended in the future.

The Palau de la Musica Catalana is a masterpiece of the Catalan Modernisme. You should not be deterred by the steep fee for the guided tour (18 Euro), a visit is worthwhile. The tour starts with a video, then you'll see the beautiful vestibule and the staircase, and finally the main concert hall. All is sumptuously decorated with ceramic mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures. The highlight is undoubtedly the stained-glass skylight (photo) in the shape of an inverted dome. And in contrast to previous reviews: we were allowed to take photos everywhere inside the building.