Palau Sant Jordi: Architecture and Leisure go Hand in Hand

There’s an omnipresent space on the events calendar in Barcelona. We’re talking about Palau Sant Jordi, a multi-disciplinary center that has hosted all kinds of sports events, concerts, and spectacles over the past three decades. But, apart from its obvious useful qualities, the Palau Sant Jordi is a building of great architectural beauty that it’s worth the time to get to know. Below, we’ll tell you a little more about its history and a few key facts. The Palau Sant Jordi is located 30 min away by walk from our boutique hotel near Montjuic.

History of the Palau Sant Jordi

Situated on the Passeig Olimpic, Palau Sant Jordi was built for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. It was designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and is currently the largest covered building in the capital city.

This sports palace always stands out to visitors who pass through the area. This is thanks to the enormous cupola, reminiscent of a turtle. The design is actually an homage to Gaudí, referencing a recurrent shape in his work.

The Palau Sant Jordi became the main covered arena during those Olympics. The true challenge was to continue to be a landmark, something it has achieved and surpassed.

Palau Sant Jordi Barcelona - Hotel Casa Vaganto

The arena has a capacity of roughly 17,000 seats. The capacity increases to approximately 24,000 standing.

A landmark space in Barcelona

Since it opened, the Palau Sant Jordi has hosted all sorts of events. It has borne witness to the Eurobasket finals in 1997, and the Basketball World Cup in 2014. Artists like Lady gaga, Shakira, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen have given concerts there.

At the Anillo Olímpico de Montjuïc, where it is located, you have the chance to recall Barcelona’s Olympic past while visiting other iconic locations. In the same area, you’ll also recognize the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys and the Torre de Comunicaciones, designed by celebrated architect Santiago Calatrava.

You can visit all these spaces free between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM during the summer. Sadly you cannot visit the interior of the Palau de Sant Jordi. Afterwards, take a rest on the Plaça d’Eúropa and save some energy if you want to visit the nearby Jardín de Aclimatación de Barcelona. Enjoy your stay at our design hotel near Plaza España!

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