Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia
An 18th-century academy of medicine
A Neoclassical architecture building that conserves an anatomical theatre and a dissection table from the 18th century. The Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia is located in a building that was constructed in 1762 and 1763 with ornamental elements in the baroque and rococo styles.
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Why visit the Royal Academy of Medicine?
The Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia was established in 1770 as the Barcelona Academy of Medical Practice. It is located at the old College of Surgery, a construction declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest within the urban enclosure in El Raval that also includes the buildings of the old Hospital de la Santa Creu and the House of Convalescence, which is the current home of the Institute of Catalan Studies.
The site of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia, designed by Ventura Rodríguez, represents one of the most important examples of Neoclassical architecture in Barcelona. It has preserved a circular anatomical theatre from the 18th century that is covered by a spherical dome and decorated with stained glass and baroque details. The most impressive element is a marble dissection table, one of only a few that have been preserved in Europe, around which there are two rows of wooden chairs painted gold in the rococo style.
How do you get to the Royal Academy of Medicine?
From the Plaça de Catalunya stop on the Blue Route of Barcelona Bus Turístic, you can get to the Royal Academy of Medicine by going down La Rambla as far as carrer del Carme.
For the most curious of you
- Did you know? The Spanish neuroscientist and Nobel laureate Santiago Ramón y Cajal was one of the illustrious students of this school of medicine.
- Local’s tip: Entering the Royal Academy of Medicine building is like travelling back in time. We recommend you consult its website to see when you can visit it.
- A must: For lovers of medicine and Neoclassical art.
