Reus is a Spanish city located in Catalonia, the capital of the Baix Camp district. This city attracts tourists with its rich cultural heritage. A key feature of Reus is its significant contribution to the development of Catalan Modernism in architecture. It is the birthplace and home of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, as well as the renowned artists Maria Fortuny and General Prima.
Reus Attractions
In Reus, you can admire buildings designed by the finest Spanish architects of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly on the streets of Paseo de Brianço, Paseo de la Misericórdia, and by Gaudí and Jesús Llovera. This beautiful city is a true mecca for connoisseurs of the Modernism style. To explore its cultural heritage in more detail, join a sightseeing tour of the Reus Modernism Route and admire the finest examples of Catalan Modernism.
While strolling through Reus, be sure to notice the Navas mansion in the Plaza de la Mercadal. Built at the very beginning of the 20th century, it still retains its unique appearance, unchanged from a century ago, with the exception of one tower, destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The building is considered one of the finest examples of Modernism in Europe, and its interiors have also been beautifully preserved thanks to the owners’ care.
Outside the city lies the Sanctuary of Mercy, built in the Renaissance style in the 17th century in honor of the Virgin Mary. The walls of the church are adorned with works of art by José Franquet, Joaquim Juncosa, and Juan Juncosa. It is interesting to note that the restoration of this chapel was carried out by the young Antoni Gaudí, who demonstrated exceptional talent even for his time.
Antoni Gaudí, the famous architect born in Reus, left an indelible mark on this city, which is proudly associated with his name. Gaudí’s name has become a true tourism brand for Reus. A Gaudí Route has been developed throughout the city, taking in the architect’s birthplace on Calle San Vicente, a sculpture depicting Gaudí as a child, the Church of San Pedro, where he was baptized, and the school where he studied. The route also includes the Sanctuary of Mercy, which could have become another Gaudí work had the authorities approved his façade renovation project.
In the heart of the city, in Plaza Mercadal, is a new interactive Gaudí Museum, dedicated to the architect’s life and work in Reus, as well as his contribution to world architecture. Ironically, Reus itself does not have a single building designed by the great architect himself.
