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Visit to the Royal Academy of Medicine

On Wednesday the 4th of June, project "Cases Singulars" will offer a guided tour of the neoclassical building that houses the medical institution 

What was the function of the Academy of Medicine? – is the title given to a guided visit programmed by the project Cases Singulars (Unique Cases) for Wednesday the 4th of June, beginning at 12 midday. The Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia is housed in the urban complex that encompasses the former Santa Creu Hospital and its corresponding Convalescent Home, in the Raval district of Barcelona, an important architectural and heritage complex given its relevance to the healthcare history of Barcelona from the 15th to the 20th century.

Since 1919 the headquarters of the institution have been located in the building that housed the former Barcelona College of Surgeons (1760-1843) and subsequently the Faculty of Medicine (1843-1906). The interior of the building, one of Barcelona’s most significant examples of neoclassical architecture, houses one of the most important and best-preserved anatomical amphitheatres in Europe.

Construction of the building was overseen by architect Ventura Rodríguez between 1762 and 1763 Rodríguez, some years before the Palau de la Virreina, when the Baroque style still predominated in Barcelona. Its neoclassical lines preceded the presence of this architectural style in the city and are counter-balanced by ornamental baroque details which were entrusted to local artists. Names such as Servet, Mata, Gimbernat, Virgili and Cajal adorn the walls of the theatre along with a series of elaborate stained glass windows, while the centre is given over to the original marble dissecting table, one of the few remaining in Europe.

Places are limited for the guided tour (Wednesday the 4th of June at 12 pm) and reservations (7 €) may be made via the Royal Academy website.

Publication date: Monday, 26 May 2014
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