Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina, Girona

Courtyard, Historic Building and Historic Site in Girona

Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina
Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric

The Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina is one of Girona's most intriguing historic buildings, set just outside the Barri Vell in the Mercadal area near Plaça Catalunya. Today it functions as a government seat, but parts of the complex can be visited on guided tours that reveal a surprisingly rich set of heritage spaces.

It's an easy add-on to a walking tour of central Girona: you can pair it with a stroll across the Onyar bridges, a loop through the old town lanes, and then finish here for a dose of local history in a calmer, more “lived-in” part of the city. The highlight for many visitors is the peaceful inner courtyard, which feels like a hidden pause button in the middle of town.

History and Significance of the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

The origins of Santa Caterina as a hospital institution go back to medieval Girona, but the complex most visitors see today is largely Baroque in character. The hospital was rebuilt in the Mercadal district in the 17th century, designed around a rational, functional layout that reflected changing ideas about healthcare, ventilation, and civic architecture.

Over time, the site evolved from a working hospital into a multi-use institutional building, and it now houses government offices. That modern role is precisely why access is usually controlled, and why visiting feels special: you’re stepping into a place that still has an official, working-city purpose while preserving exceptional historic rooms.

What makes the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina stand out in Girona's crowded heritage scene is its mix of spaces: a grand courtyard, an atmospheric chapel, and a hospital pharmacy that is often described as one of the best-preserved ensembles of its kind. Together, they offer a very different angle on Girona's past than the cathedral-and-walls circuit.

Things to See and Do in the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

Start with the courtyard (often the emotional center of the visit), where the scale and symmetry of the complex become clear. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down, look up, and notice details you’d miss on a faster sightseeing day.

The star attraction is the historic hospital pharmacy: expect ornate cabinetry, rows of ceramic jars, and the sense of a “frozen-in-time” medical world. Even if you’re not usually drawn to medical history, the craftsmanship and preservation make it compelling.

Also make time for the chapel, which adds a quieter, reflective layer to the visit. Guided tours typically provide the context that ties the spaces together, helping you understand how the building functioned and why it matters within Girona’s broader civic story.

How to Get to the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

The nearest major airports are Barcelona El Prat (BCN) and Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is well connected by train, including fast services from Barcelona, and from the station you can reach the hospital area on foot or by a short local bus ride. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're traveling by car, aim for central Girona parking garages near the Mercadal/Eixample side and walk the last few minutes to Plaça Pompeu Fabra. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

  • Official website: https://museuart.cat/
  • Entrance fee: Standard guided visit: €6 per person (reservation required).
  • Opening hours: Check official website.
  • Best time to visit: Book a guided visit when available, and try for a morning slot for a quieter feel and better light in the courtyard.
  • How long to spend: Plan around 60 minutes for the guided visit, plus a little extra time to arrive early and orient yourself.
  • Accessibility: It’s a historic building and some areas may have architectural barriers; contact the booking office in advance if you have mobility needs.
  • Facilities: Because it’s an active institutional building, visitor services are limited outside the guided-visit setup; plan restroom and water stops before you arrive.

Where to Stay Close to the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

Base yourself in central Girona (Eixample/Mercadal edge or the Barri Vell border) for the easiest walkable access to both the old town sights and this hospital complex.

Hotel Nord 1901 A reliable, comfortable pick near the old town edge, great if you want to walk everywhere and still sleep in a calmer street.

Hotel Gran Ultonia A practical, well-located option with a straightforward city-hotel feel, ideal for travelers who value convenience and easy transport links.

Hotel Ultonia Often a good-value sibling property in the same central spot, useful if you want a simpler room while staying close to major sights.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A classic choice in the Eixample area, handy for train access and a smooth walk to the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina.

Ciutat de Girona A solid mid-range base that balances old-town proximity with modern comfort, good for couples and short-stay city breaks.

Is the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy historic interiors and want something beyond Girona's headline attractions. The combination of a serene courtyard, a richly preserved pharmacy, and a guided narrative makes it feel like a “behind-the-scenes” Girona experience rather than another quick photo stop.

Honest Pivot: if you dislike guided-only visits, have limited time, or mainly want panoramic viewpoints and outdoor wandering, you may prefer to focus on the cathedral area, the city walls, and the riverside instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (134)

Reviews are broadly positive, with many visitors describing it as a worthwhile stop in Girona and praising the calm inner courtyard. People also mention friendly staff and an overall pleasant experience. The main drawback noted is that some travelers don't love the audio-guide format and would prefer a live guided tour in English.

Konstantina Kalimeri
6 years ago
"It is a good place to see in Girona and I really enjoyed the little yard inside but I didn't really like the audio guide. I would prefer an actualhuman guide in English...."
Nate ON8 Productions
7 years ago
"The staff were friendly. I was walking through."
Steve George
7 years ago
"Good"

For Different Travelers

Different travelers will get different value here: some come for architecture, others for the pharmacy, and many simply enjoy the calm contrast to the busier old town lanes.

Families with Kids

Kids who like unusual “real-life” places (old medicine jars, secret-feeling rooms, big courtyards) can find this surprisingly engaging. It helps if you frame it as a story about how people were cared for centuries ago.

If your family prefers hands-on exhibits, the guided format may feel a bit structured. Pair it with a playground stop or gelato in the Barri Vell afterward to keep the day balanced.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The courtyard is a quiet, romantic-feeling space and a nice change of pace from Girona’s more crowded viewpoints. It’s also a good shared experience if you like learning something together rather than just ticking off landmarks.

Plan it as a gentle mid-day cultural stop between a riverside walk and a long lunch. The setting suits travelers who appreciate atmosphere and details.

Budget Travelers

When the standard guided visit is available, it’s a relatively affordable way to see a high-impact interior that feels “exclusive” compared with open-access monuments. It also sits in a walkable part of town, so you can avoid transport costs.

If you're watching every euro, keep an eye out for occasional open days, and build a self-guided walking loop around the Mercadal and Barri Vell areas.

History Buffs

This is a strong pick for history lovers because it connects civic life, healthcare history, and architecture in one place. The pharmacy and chapel, in particular, offer tangible, specific details that make the past feel close.

If you’ve already done Girona’s Roman and medieval highlights, Santa Caterina adds a different chapter to the timeline. It complements the city’s “stones and walls” story with social history and daily-life context.

FAQs for Visiting Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy walk from the Barri Vell edge and the Onyar river area. It also works well as a stop on a central Girona walking loop.
It’s roughly a 15–20 minute walk from the station area at a relaxed pace. Local buses also serve nearby stops in the center.
Use Plaça Pompeu Fabra, 1, Girona. That will bring you to the correct side of the complex for arrivals.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, visits to the heritage spaces are typically guided and require advance reservation. This is not a “drop in anytime” attraction.
Not usually, because the building is an active institutional site. Free access may happen only on special open days.
Expect a per-person fee for the regular guided visit, while special open days may be free. Check the official listing for the specific date you want.

Visiting Experience

Most visitors come away talking about the historic hospital pharmacy and the calm courtyard. The chapel is also a key part of the visit.
Language availability can vary by tour, and some visitors prefer a live guide in English rather than an audio format. If language matters, confirm the tour language when booking.
Group sizes are typically limited, so it rarely feels packed like Girona’s biggest landmarks. Booking ahead also helps keep the experience orderly.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, the guided context is what makes the pharmacy and chapel meaningful. Without it, you miss the “why it matters” layer.
Combine it with the Onyar river bridges, a Barri Vell wander, and either the cathedral or the city walls. It works well as a mid-day indoor stop.
Yes, group visits can be arranged at agreed times. This can be a good option for schools or small cultural groups.

Photography

Rules can vary depending on the space and the type of visit. Ask the guide at the start so you don’t miss your chance.
The courtyard is the most photogenic area for architecture and light. Details in the pharmacy can also be striking if photography is permitted.
Yes, especially in the courtyard where light is more forgiving. Indoors, be prepared for lower light and keep your shots steady.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas may be difficult due to historic architectural barriers. Contact the organizers ahead of time to understand what’s feasible for your needs.
Visitor facilities may be limited because the building is not a full-time museum. Plan ahead and use facilities nearby before your tour.
Seating may be limited and depends on the route. If you need regular breaks, mention it when booking so the staff can advise.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Mercadal/Eixample side of central Girona has plenty of cafés and bakeries within a short walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
Very much so, with options both in the modern center and across the river toward the old town. You can tailor it from quick bites to long sit-down meals.
This is not a park-style attraction, and access is controlled during visits. For a picnic feel, choose a nearby square or riverside spot instead.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s in central Girona and generally feels safe and busy during the day. Use normal city awareness, especially at night.
Because entry is controlled, late arrival can mean missing the start or not being admitted. Aim to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Yes, it’s a smart choice when weather turns, since key highlights are indoors. Just remember it’s not always open for walk-in visits.

Nearby Attractions to the Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina

The Antic Hospital de Santa Caterina appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Check official website.

Price:

Standard guided visit: €6 per person (reservation required).

Address: Pça. Pompeu Fabra, 1, 17002 Girona, Spain
Girona: 0 km
Telephone: +34 972 20 38 34
Official Website

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