Reus

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.

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.

Take the chance to do some relaxed shopping during your stay. Reus is renowned throughout Catalonia for its wide range of shops and for the professionalism of its shopkeepers, all of this of course, in it own exceptional setting.

In the city’s historic centre there are about 300 commercial establishments with the El Tomb symbol, where you can find a wide range of products including leading international brand name fashions at very attractive prices, as well all kinds of articles, conveniences and common services.

Festive events are a wonderful occasion to discover a town that keeps its traditions alive. We suggest coming during the Festa Major de Sant Pere (from 24th to 29th June), listed as a Traditional Festival of National Interest, and during the Festes de Misericòrdia (from 21st to 25th September), where you’ll have the chance to experience the explosion of music, fireworks and colour of Mediterranean festivals. And at Christmas, you’ll be charmed by a town transformed by streets decorated with special lights, shop windows that glisten with decorations and a wealth of lively entertainment activities in the streets.