Reus is the birthplace of Gaudi, the famous architect. Do you also know about this city? Reus (Spain) is located 108 km from the capital of Catalonia. Many famous people were born here – the architect Antonio Gaudi, the artist of Fortune. The city is famous not only for outstanding personalities, but also for its rich history, amazing architecture, the best wines and brandy. Journey to Reus begins at the railway or bus station, which are located in the central part of the city.
Photo: Reus, Spain
general information
The Spanish Reus is part of the Tarragona region and the capital of the Bas Camp region. The area is 53.05 km2, the population is 107 thousand people. The distance of other administrative centers – Salou – 10 km, Tarragona – 14 km, Cambrils – 12 km. According to one version, the name Reus has common roots with the Latin word Reddis and in translation means a crossroads.
Everyone will find their reason for traveling here:
- cultural heritage viewing;
- acquaintance with the life and work of Antonio Gaudi;
- Shopping
- a walk along the modern walking path;
- tasting vermouth.
Reus is a great way to combine walks in the medieval city and shopping in modern shopping centers and shops, of which there are more than 700.
Tourists describe Reus as a typical city in Catalonia with a vibrant Mediterranean character. Its history begins from the 12th century, but it began to develop only in the 18th century. For some time, Reus entered into an alliance with London and Paris. It was this “golden triangle” that for a long time set the price of alcohol in the world market.
Interesting fact! In the period from the 18th to the 19th century, as a result of successful commercial activities, the city was the second largest, second only to Barcelona.
And today, the city of Reus in Spain is considered a major shopping center, where about seven hundred retail outlets are operating, and well-known brands are represented.
If the purpose of the trip is a cultural heritage, be sure to take a walk along the modernist route, which is laid along the most significant places and buildings of the 19-20 centuries. Art Nouveau in those days was perceived as an innovative style that did not fit into the usual boundaries, and most accurately expressed what was happening in the minds and minds of people.
sights
The main attraction of the city of Reus is its elegant houses, many of which have already become architectural monuments and a vivid example of modernism. Be sure to visit the theme center – the Gaudi Museum in Reus. After all, the famous architect was born here. Take a walk along the Gaudi route – this is the San Pedro temple (masters baptized here), the college where he studied, as well as other places that the architect loved to visit. Often interest to tourists is the numerous festivals – religious, culinary, theatrical, literary.
In the city squares, during the warm season, they regularly conduct entertainment, music sounds, these are places for the Spanish fiesta. We will tell you what to see on your own in Reus.
The first on the list of what to see in Reus in Spain, undoubtedly, is the house of the great architect. It was the appearance of the Gaudi Center in Reus that gave a rapid impetus to an increase in the flow of tourists. The attraction is dedicated to a talented architect, in addition, the museum presents technological innovations of interest to adults and children.
Gaudi’s house in Reus is built on the market square, this high-tech building stands out precisely for its style among modernist buildings. Many vacationers call this museum one of the most interesting not only in Reus, but throughout Spain. Museum exhibits cover the period of life and work of Gaudi in his native Reus and Barcelona.
Advice! In order not to miss interesting details, at the entrance to the museum, take an audio guide, which is included in the ticket price.
Most of the exhibits presented can be touched, twisted, turned on, that is, the exhibition is interactive. A favorite place for tourists in the museum is a glass floor with a map of Barcelona, on which all the creations of the great Antonio Gaudi are marked. Just hold your foot and a detailed description of the project and its history in the form of a colorful film will appear next to the mark. Be sure to visit the mirror cinema with original mushroom-shaped chairs. Museum guests are shown a biographical film about the architect.
The museum occupies a four-story building, on the top you can eat after the tour and view the city.
Practical information:
- Address: Plaça del Mercadal, 3;
- working hours: from 15.06 to 15.09 – from 10-00 to 20-00, from 16.09 to 14.06 – from 10-00 to 14-00, from 16-00 to 19-00, on weekends the Gaudi Center is open all year round from 10 -00 to 14-00;
- tickets: adult – 9 EUR, children (9 to 15 years old), pension (over 65 years old) – 5 EUR, for children under 9 years old – admission is free;
- official portal: gaudicentre.cat.
Casa Navas House is the most beautiful mansion in the city and a recognized masterpiece of the architect Luis Domenech i Monater, located in the center of Reus. The house of filigree architecture was erected in seven years. At one glance at the facade of the building, the idea arises that every centimeter of a building with ornaments and smooth bends is filled with a certain meaning. The interior of the house delights, there is a feeling of fabulousness of what is happening.
The customer of the project was the owner of the textile shop Joaquim Navas Padro, he wanted to build his dream home and invested a huge amount in it. The project was as follows: the first floor is a French-style store, the upper floors are elegant and comfortable living quarters.
Interesting fact! The initials of the owner of the house are still preserved on the corner column.
It is noteworthy that the interiors and furniture were preserved and did not even suffer during the Civil War. The decoration and decor of the mansion are made in the floral theme, which is why it is called the “stone garden”. On the Art Nouveau route in Reus, the mansion is considered the most valuable architectural object.
Practical information:
- Address: Plaza Mercadal, 5;
- to visit the attraction in Reus, you need to book an excursion in the tourist center, it is located at – Plaça del Mercadal, 3;
- every Saturday three times a day there are excursions in two languages - Spanish and English;
- tour price – 10 EUR;
- duration – 1 hour;
- everyone can visit the ground floor;
- No photography allowed;
- official portal – reusturisme.cat/casa-navas.
Another architectural masterpiece of Lewis Domenech-i-Montanera is one of the buildings of the Institute of Psychiatry Pere Mata. The project is designed in such a way that as much sunlight as possible gets into the windows throughout the day, as doctors believed that daylight could help patients recover.
Construction began in 1898, and a few years later the hospital received the first patients. However, the project was fully realized only after 12 years.
Interesting fact! The São Pau Psychiatric Hospital in Barcelona was also built according to the project of Domenech i Montanera. But the corps of the Institute of Pere Mata has become the standard of the unique Catalan style of modernism.
The hospital complex covers an area of 20 hectares, in some cases patients are still undergoing treatment. The most luxurious building is considered to be the Pavelló dels Distingis, formerly representatives of the aristocracy were treated here, and today it is open for tourists.
Practical information:
- Address: Institut Pere Mata Carreter Street, 6-10, 43206 Reu;
- excursion price: 5 EUR;
- duration: 1.5 hours;
- from the center of Reus to the institute there are buses No. 30, 31.
The market square of Reus is called Plaza del Mercadal. This is the main place where urban residents gather on holidays. Here are the best restaurants in Reus.
Despite the name “Market”, trade has not been conducted here for a long time, but on days of great holidays, according to a centuries-old tradition, the fair is still held. Merchants offer various products, you can hear music and the usual disputes between sellers and buyers that are familiar to the market.
And Market Square is an architectural landmark of Reus in Spain, because it is the entrance to the ancient part of the city, which is located around St. Peter’s Church. It is on the Plaza del Mercadal that the largest number of attractions is concentrated. In addition to the house of Antonio Gaudi, which we have already talked about, there is also the city hall, Casa Pignol and Casa Laguna.
This is the main religious attraction built from 1512 to 1601. In the summer of 1852, Antonio Gaudi was baptized here, there is a corresponding entry in the church book.
Interesting fact! St. Peter, in whose honor the temple was consecrated, is the patron saint of the city of Reus.
The project of the temple is made in the style of restrained and severe Gothic, a sculpture of St. Peter is installed above the main entrance, in a special niche. The stained glass window is decorated in the shape of a rose. A legend is associated with this flower, according to which in the 15th century, when a plague raged in Reus, the Virgin Mary appeared to a resident of the city and advised to go around the city with a burning candle. For other residents to believe the girl, the Virgin Mary left a rose imprint on her cheek.
The bell tower of the temple 62 meters high is also a symbol of the city of Reus. Gaudi used its individual elements to create the project of the Holy Family Temple, which became the main thing in the life of the architect.
Visually, the temple is more like a palace, you can recognize it by the magnificent gate. Attractions are free, but only one lounge is available on the second floor.
The attraction is located in the city center, built in the 18th century. The mayor Jose Bofarul was the owner of the palace, but his brother Francis Bofarul created an architectural project for him. Until 1836, the monarch’s family lived in the palace, and then Count Rius settled in it, then an entertainment institution was opened in the building, and at the beginning of the last century, representatives of the anarchist organization confiscated it.
Today, within the walls of the sights there is a conservatory where a concert hall and classrooms are equipped. The building hosts exhibitions, concerts. When no events are held at the conservatory, you can freely enter here and admire the interiors.
What else to see in Reus
Walking around Reus is a pleasure and an opportunity to get acquainted with the history and culture of Catalonia. It is noteworthy that the city does not have such a huge concentration of tourists as in other major cities in Spain. Perhaps the sights of Reus in Spain in the photo with the description do not look so attractive and bright, but you should come here, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city and fall in love with him forever.
What to see in Reus yourself:
- Take a walk along General Prima Square, which is also located in the old part of Reus;
- visit the temple of Miloseria, built on the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to the pastor, it is noteworthy that here you can see the work of Gaudi himself, as he restored the chapel;
- look at the Archaeological Museum, which contains a collection of rare antiquities – animal bones, dishes, utensils, a collection of paintings is also presented;
- admirers will be interested in visiting the Vermouth Museum, where guests are introduced to the history of this alcoholic drink, and forty varieties of vermouth are stored in the cellars;
- on the Plaza de les Basses, examine the Laundresses fountain, which is decorated with a sculpture of three girls, the author of the attraction is the sculptor Arthur Aldoma;
- take a walk around Plaça Catalunya, where a bust of the famous poet Joaquin Bartrin is installed;
- and on the street Carrer de Sant Joan is an unusual monument to the Indian, its opening was timed to celebrate the City of Giants.
Separately, it is necessary to talk about shopping in Reus, since shopping in this city will become a separate point of your trip. Sales are held twice a year – in the middle of summer and at the beginning of the year. And in the period from July to mid-September, every Wednesday in all stores is a shopping day, when customers are offered good discounts.
Advice! Before shopping, arm yourself with a shopping list and a map with stores. Otherwise, you will probably spend more than the planned amount.
How to get to Reus from Salou
Buses No. 14 and No. 96 depart twice an hour. They arrive at the bus station, located in the city center. By the way, you can not go to the bus station, but get out at the right stop in the city. The trip takes only a quarter of an hour, and the ticket costs from 1.30 EUR to 4.40 EUR.
The city also has a well-developed public transport network, runs 10 routes. The price of one trip is 1.25 EUR. You can buy a travel card for 10 trips, its cost is 12 EUR (price of 10 trips) and 3 EUR (cost of the card).
This is a convenient way to travel outside the city. Such trips around the city are inexpedient, since Reus is small and can be easily walked around.
Salou Airport also offers car hire.
Come to the city of Reus (Spain) and discover the unexplored corners of Catalonia. Holidays here harmoniously complement beach relaxation in Spanish resorts.
The main attractions of Old Reus and a visit to the center of Gaudi:
