Facade of Instit d'Estudis Catalans

©Esme Fox/Lonely Planet

Institut d’Estudis Catalans

El Raval

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The Institute for Catalan Studies sits in the 17th-century Casa de Convalescència, once part of the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu. The building, especially the entrance vestibule, is richly decorated with ceramic tiles. Visitors can peek at the courtyard, with its statue of St Paul, from the doorway, but to explore further in you'll have to book a guided tour (€8; www.sternalia.com; 93 170 17 97).

Up on the 1st floor at the far end is what was once an orange garden, now named after Catalan novelist Mercè Rodoreda.

Transportation

  • metro: Liceu

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Nearby El Raval attractions

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2. La Capella

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The Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu's 15th-century former chapel is now an exhibition space, with frequent temporary exhibitions.

3. Centre de la Imatge

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The Centre de la Imatge is an exhibition space that forms part of the Palau de la Virreina. It hosts mainly – but not exclusively – photography shows.

4. Palau de la Virreina

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A rare example of post-baroque building in Barcelona, the Palau de la Virreina is a grand 18th-century rococo mansion (with some neoclassical elements)…

5. Mercat de la Boqueria

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6. Església de Betlem

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On La Rambla with Carrer del Carme, this church was constructed in baroque style for the Jesuits in the late 17th and early 18th centuries to replace a…

7. MACBA

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8. Museu de l’Eròtica

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