Barcelona - Biblioteca de Catalunya

The Biblioteca de Catalunya is housed in one part of the former Hospital de la Santa Creu. The library, which was founded in 1914, today contains around a million volumes as well as a special section on the works of Miguel Cervantes Saavedra, the author of "Don Quixote". Proceeding from the Carrer del Carme, the visitor turns right and comes to a gateway. The large colourful picture tiles, depicting scenes from the life of St Paul, are worthy of note. There are also brightly colored tiled decorations in the inner courtyard (with its two-story arcades and a statue of St Paul from the 17th C.) and on the staircase. The reading room is only open to registered users.

This group of buildings also houses the Biblioteca Infantil Santa Creu (children's library) and the Biblioteca Popular Sant Pau (public library) as well as part of the University Library.