ASFLUGE AN DER COSTA DORADA - REUS

REUS, GAUDÍ’S CITY

Only 100 km south of Barcelona and 8 km inland from the Costa Daurada, Reus offers the attractions of one of the most important cultural and commercial centres of Catalonia.

The famous phrase “Reus, Paris and London” reminds us of the city’s enterprising spirit and important commercial tradition it enjoyed when it was the international reference point for eau-de-vie (clear brandy distilled from fermented fruit juice). Currently, this enterprising spirit is reflected by the large variety of shops in the city centre, the busy cultural program which continues throughout the year, and the friendly, open character of the people of Reus who are always willing to participate in events.

The city that witnessed the birth of the world famous architect Antoni Gaudí in the year 1852 still maintains the places the then future genius used to frequent during the 16 years he lived in Reus before moving to Barcelona.
The house he was born in, the church he was baptised in, the school where he studied and the streets and areas where his great creative genius was formed all remain. Following Gaudi’s footsteps in Reus will bring us to the sculpture Gaudí nen (Gaudí the child) commissioned by the city in honour of the famous architect in 2002.

Whatever your reason for visiting, we invite you to relax and discover the charm of a totally Mediterranean city, where the memory of Gaudí lives on.

THE MODERNIST TRAIL

Doménech i Montaner’s elegant architectural style influenced other modernist buildings commissioned in Reus. Noteworthy in this sense are the works of Pere Caselles, who designed a large number of buildings in the city. The work of Joan Rubió i Bellver must also be mentioned, who was a disciple and colleague of Gaudí.

To find out more about this interesting heritage, you can take a walk on the Modernist Trail, a pleasant tour of the city centre that allows you to get to know the most interesting modernist facades. To admire these works, follow the signs and stop in front of the buildings identified with a plaque.

You can also take a guided tour of the trail, which has to added advantage of allowing you access to the interior of some locations normally closed to the public. The visit includes a tour of the city centre and includes access to pavilion number 6 at the institute Pere Mata. With the same ticket you can also visit the city’s museums. Consult the tourism office about opening hours for groups or individuals, and also about the possibility of visiting Casa Naves.

Because of its important modernist heritage, Reus is part of the Réseau Art Nouveau Network, a network made up of cities with the most important modernist traditions in Europe.

LA CAPSA GAUDÍ

In the spring of 2007, La Capsa Gaudí will be opened in the heart of Reus’s historic centre. It will be opened a unique space dedicated to the person and the world famous architecture of Antoni Gaudí.

Using the latest technology, La Capsa Gaudí will allow you to experience and understand the basics of Gaudí’s architecture, discover the mysteries of his creative genius and to know his city – where he spent his childhood and youth, a place he was closely connected to throughout his life.

MODERNISM IN REUS: LLUÍS DOMÉNECH I MONTANER

EIn the year 1898, the construction of the psychiatric institute Pere Mata began. It was one of the largest projects by the architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner, and an event that marked the beginning of a brilliant modernist era in the city. Afterwards, Domènech went on to design other buildings in Reus and the spirit of Modernism spread throughout the entire city. During your stay in the city, we suggest you visit the works by one of the greatest modernist architects, and make sure get a chance to visit the following places:

Pere Mata Institute (1898). This is one of Domènech I Montaner’s largest projects. The ornamental richness of pavilion number 6 gives it the greatest artistic value of the complex, especially because there the spectacular decorative repertoire of modernism has been well preserved. It is considered to be one of the great Catalan modernist treasures (open to visitors).

Casa Navàs (1901-1907). A private residence that stands out because its magnificent interior décor remains virtually intact, as does that of the shop on the ground floor. It has been declared a historic monument (open to visitors).

Casa Rull (1900). The house was commissioned by a notary, and symbols related to the owner’s profession can be seen on the façade. The elegant balcony with floral patterns on the first floor is especially worth seeing. It has been declared a historic monument.

Casa Gasull (1911). Constructed by the owner of an olive oil export company, the company’s storehouses as well as the family living quarters were at this location. This building is a fusion of modernist and nineteenth century styles (open to visitors).