The Palau de la Balmesiana, one of Barcelona’s best-conserved treasures

Are you familiar with the Palau de la Balmesiana? It is a Neogothic building with Modernisme elements located in Plaça del Vuit de Març, and it’s the home to the Balmesiana Foundation, a Church institution devoted to spreading Catholic culture, with a particular focus on the philosopher Jaume Balmes. One of the most noteworthy characteristics of this building is its chapel, which was designed by architect Joan Rubió, one of Antoni Gaudí’s disciples who is quite famous for giving shape to the Gothic Quarter in the early 20th century.  In fact, you may have seen the bridge over Carrer del Bisbe connecting the Palau de la Generalitat with the Casa dels Canonges, one of his most iconic works. The chapel is truly a hidden treasure thanks in part to the sculpture over the altarpiece which presides over it, crafted by Josep Llimona, and the images of God and Saint John by Camps Arnau.

Tours of the Palau de la Balmesiana are held every Thursday and Sunday until December at 10:30 and 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. The building will be closed in August, and the tours will not be held on 1 and 15 December. In addition to the chapel, you will also see lots of other interesting features in this building, which was constructed between 1916 and 1934, such as the prominent staircase with a wooden tribune and the conference room. In addition to the architecture, you will also learn about the building’s history, with a special emphasis on the stage of the Spanish Civil War.

Tickets cost 8 euros, and you must book your tour in advance. You can request reservations by phoning 93 321 01 25 or sending an email to reservas@sternalia.com.