Reus is the birthplace of Gaudi, the famous architect. What else do you know about this city? Reus (Spain) is located 108 km from the capital of Catalonia. Many famous people were born here — the architect Antoni Gaudi, the artist Fortuny. The city is famous not only for outstanding personalities, but also for its rich history, amazing architecture, the best wines and brandies. The journey to Reus starts at the train or bus station, which is located in the central part of the city.
General information
Spanish Reus is part of the Tarragona region and the capital of the Bas Camp district. The area is 53.05 km2, the population is 107 thousand people. The distance to other administrative centers is 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 road intersection.
Everyone will find their own reason for traveling here:
- cultural heritage tour;
- getting to know the life and work of Antoni Gaudi;
- shopping experience;
- walking along the Art nouveau walking route;
- tasting of vermouth.
Reus is a great way to combine walking around the medieval city and shopping in modern shopping centers and shops, of which there are more than 700.
Tourists describe Reus as a typical Catalan city with a vibrant Mediterranean character. Its history begins with the 12th century, but it began to develop only in the 18th century. For some time, Reus was allied with London and Paris. It was this “golden triangle” that for a long time set prices for alcoholic beverages on the world market.
Interesting fact! In the period from the 18th to the 19th century, as a result of successful commercial activity, the city was the second most important, second only to Barcelona.
And today the city of Reus in Spain is considered a major shopping center, where there are about seven hundred retail outlets, products of well-known brands are presented.
If your destination is cultural heritage, be sure to take the modernist route, which is laid out through the most significant places and buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries. Art Nouveau at that time 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.
Attractions
The main attraction of the city of Reus is the elegant houses, many of which have already become architectural monuments and a vivid example of modernism. Be sure to visit the Gaudi Theme Center in Reus. After all, the famous architect was born here. Take Gaudi’s route to the Temple of San Pedro (where the master was baptized), the college where he studied, as well as other places that the architect liked to visit.Tourists are undoubtedly interested in numerous festivals — religious, culinary, theatrical, literary.
In the city squares in the warm season, entertainment is regularly held, music is played, these are places for holding the Spanish fiesta. We will tell you what to see on your own in Reus.
Gaudi Center
First on the list of things to see in Reus in Spain is undoubtedly the house of the great architect. It was the appearance of the Gaudi Center in Reus that gave a rapid impetus to the increase in the flow of tourists. The attraction is dedicated to a talented architect, in addition, the museum presents technological innovations that are of interest to adults and children.
The Gaudi House in Reus is built on the city’s market square, a high-tech building that stands out among modernist buildings. Many vacationers call this museum one of the most interesting not only in Reus, but also in all of Spain. The museum exhibits cover the period of Gaudi’s life and work in his native Reus and Barcelona.
A tip! In order not to miss out on interesting details, take the audio guide included in the ticket price when entering the museum.
Most of the presented exhibits can be touched, turned, turned on, that is, the exhibition is interactive. A favorite tourist spot in the museum is a glass floor with a map of Barcelona, on which all the works of the great Antoni Gaudi are marked. Just swipe your foot and a detailed description of the project and its history will appear next to the mark in the form of a colorful movie. Be sure to visit the mirrored cinema hall with original mushroom-shaped chairs. Guests of the museum are shown a biographical film about the architect.
The museum occupies a four-story building, on the upper one you can eat after the tour and see the city.
Practical information:
- адрес: Plaça del Mercadal, 3;
- opening 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 (from 9 to 15 years old), pensioner (over 65 years old — – 5 EUR, for children under 9 years old — admission is free;
- official portal: gaudicentre.cat.
Navas House
Casa Navas is the most beautiful mansion in the city and a recognized masterpiece of architect Luis Domenech y Monatera, located in the center of Reus. The house of filigree architecture was built in seven years. When you look at the facade of a building, you get the idea that every inch of the building with its ornaments and smooth curves is filled with a certain meaning. The interior of the house is amazing, there is a sense of fabulousness of what is happening.
The project was commissioned by Joaquim Navas Padro, the owner of a textile shop, who wanted to build the house of his dreams and invested a huge sum in it. The project looked like this: 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 furnishings were preserved and did not suffer even in the Civil War. The design and decor of the mansion are made in a plant theme, which is why it is called the “stone garden”. Along the Art Nouveau route in Reus, the mansion is considered the most valuable architectural object.
Practical information:
- Address: Plaza Mercadal, 5;
- to visit the tourist attraction in Reus, you will need to book a tour at the tourist center, it is located at-Plaça del Mercadal, 3;
- every Saturday, three times a day, there are guided tours in two languages-Spanish and English;
- tour price — 10 EUR;
- duration-1 hour;
- everyone can visit the first floor;
- it is forbidden to take photos;
- official portal — reusturisme.cat/casa-navas.
Pere Mata Institute of Psychiatry
Another architectural masterpiece of Lewis Domenech y Montaner is one of the buildings of the Pere Mata Institute of Psychiatry. The project is designed so that the windows get as much sunlight as possible during the day, because doctors believed that daylight contributes to the recovery of patients.
Construction began in 1898, and a few years later the hospital received its first patients. However, the project was fully implemented only after 12 years.
Interesting fact! The San Pau Psychiatric Hospital in Barcelona is also designed by Domenech y Montaner. But the building of the Pere Mata Institute has become the standard of the unique Catalan style of modernism.
The hospital complex covers an area of 20 hectares, and patients are still being treated in some buildings. The most luxurious building is the Pavelló dels Distingis, where representatives of the aristocracy used to be treated, but today it is open to tourists.
Practical information:
- Address: Instituto Per Mata Carretera, 6-10, 43206 Reu;
- tour price: 5 EUR;
- duration: 1.5 hours;
- buses 30 and 31 run from the center of Reus to the Institute.
Market Square
The market square of Reus is called Plaza del Mercadal. This is the main place where city residents gather on holidays. The best restaurants in Reus are located here.
Despite the name “Market” trade has not been conducted here for a long time, but on the days of big holidays, according to a centuries-old tradition, the fair is still held. Merchants offer various products, you can hear music and the usual arguments of sellers and buyers in the market.
And the 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 the Church of St. Peter. It is on the Plaza del Mercadal that the largest number of attractions is concentrated. In addition to the Antoni Gaudi house, which we have already described, there is also the City Hall, Casa Pignol and Casa Laguna.
The Cathedral
This main religious landmark was built in the period from 1512 to 1601. In the summer of 1852, Antoni Gaudi was baptized here, there is a corresponding entry in the church book.
Interesting fact! Saint Peter, in whose honor the temple was consecrated — is the patron saint of the city of Reus.
The project of the church is made in the style of restrained and severe Gothic, above the main entrance, in a special niche, a sculpture of St. Peter is installed. The stained glass window is decorated in the form of a rose. This flower is associated with a legend according to which in the 15th century, when the plague was raging in Reus, the Virgin Mary appeared to a resident of the city and advised her to go around the city with a burning candle. So that other residents would believe the girl, the Virgin Mary left a rose print on her cheek.
The 62-meter-high bell tower of the temple is also a symbol of the city of Reus. Gaudi used its individual elements to create the project of the Sagrada Familia, which became the main one in the architect’s life.
Visually, the temple is more like a palace, you can recognize it by the luxurious gate. Access to the attraction is free, but only one hall on the second floor is available for guests.
Bofarul Palace
The landmark is located in the city center, built in the 18th century. The owner of the palace was the city mayor Jose Bofarul, 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 establishment was opened in the building, and at the beginning of the last century it was confiscated by representatives of an anarchist organization.
Today, within the walls of the attraction there is a conservatory, where a concert hall and classrooms are equipped. The building hosts exhibitions and concerts. When the conservatory does not host any events, you can easily go here and admire the interiors.
What else to see in Reus
A walking tour of Reus is a pleasure and an opportunity to experience the history and culture of Catalonia. It is noteworthy that the city does not have such a huge crowd 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 it forever.
What to see in Reus on your own:
- take a walk around the General Prima Square, which is also located in the old part of Reus;
- visit the Church 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;
- take a look at the Archaeological Museum, which has a collection of rare antiquities – animal bones, dishes, utensils, and a collection of paintings;
- fans will be interested to visit 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 Placa de les Basses square, consider the Washerwomen fountain, which is decorated with a sculpture of three girls, the author of the attraction is sculptor Arthur Aldoma;
- take a walk through Plaza Catalunya, where there is a bust of the famous poet Joaquin Bartrin;
- and on the street Carrer de Sant Joan is an unusual monument to the Indian, its opening was timed to celebrate the day of the City of Giants.
Separately, you need to tell us about shopping in Reus, as 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 shopping day, when customers are offered good discounts.
A tip! Before you start shopping, arm yourself with a shopping list and a shopping map. Otherwise, you will probably spend more than the planned amount.
How to get to Reus from Salou
To Reus by bus
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 off at the desired 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, running 10 routes. The price of one trip is 1,25 EUR. You can purchase a travel card for 10 trips, its cost is 12 EUR (the price of 10 trips) and 3 EUR (the cost of the card).
Transfer service
This is a convenient way to travel outside the city. In the city, such trips are impractical, since Reus is small and can be easily bypassed on foot.
You can also rent a car at Salou Airport.
Come to the city of Reus (Spain) and discover the unknown corners of Catalonia. Rest here will harmoniously complement the beach relaxation in Spanish resorts.
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