Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music) has welcomed the musical greats of the world through its palatial doors and has witnessed many première performances of works by major Spanish composers. This prestigious concert hall in La Ribera, to the north of Las Ramblas, was built in the 1900s for the Orfeó Català choral society, which still practises here. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited as much for its stunning architecture as its musical events.

The building is one of the finest examples of the modernist architectural style and the talents of many well-known artists and craftspeople are showcased in its stained glass, mosaics and moulded arches. Enter beneath a massive sculpture depicting Catalan musical figures to start the guided tour in the foyer, where you can admire the colourful floral patterns and intricate tile work on the pillars of the former ticket windows, before heading off to the rehearsal hall. The elaborately decorated grand staircase leads to the Lluís Millet Hall, named after one of the founders of the Orfeó Català, now used as a meeting room and teaching area.

The main highlight of the tour is the concert hall itself. This breathtaking auditorium is the only one in Europe to be lit entirely by natural daylight. Its decor is inspired by choral music, featuring a choir of young women grouped around the sun on the vast stained-glass skylight and sculptures and imagery from the worlds of classical and folk music on the stage walls and proscenium.

After you’ve admired this extraordinary building, you might be tempted to take in a performance. Tickets regularly sell out well in advance, but plan ahead and you could be lucky enough to see one of the world’s great orchestras, a famous opera singer, a top jazz musician or maybe a concert of Catalan music. Check the website for a full events programme.

The Palau is open for tours every day and there are extended opening times during August to accommodate extra demand.