la Rotonda

What secrets does a roundabout hold? At the corner of Avenida del Tibidabo and Passeig de Sant Gervasi, La Rotonda whispers tales of Barcelona’s rich past. La Rotonda, also known as Torre Andreu, isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule. Commissioned in 1906 by pharmaceutical magnate Salvador Andreu i Grau, this neoclassical modernist marvel, designed by Adolf Ruiz i Casamitjana, first opened its doors as the Grand Hotel Metropolitan in 1918. Imagine the clinking champagne glasses and swirling gowns of the Barcelona elite, celebrating in the elegant restaurant that held 500 guests. La Rotonda was the place to be. The distinctive oriental pagoda, adorned with intricate mosaics, became a symbol of luxury and prestige. Enric Sagnier, another celebrated modernist architect, expanded the building in 1920, adding another layer to its story. But life, like architecture, is full of unexpected turns. After the Spanish Civil War, the grand hotel transformed into Hotel La Rotonda. Then, in a surprising twist, it became a hospital in the 1970s. Can you picture the bustling activity, the hushed footsteps, the stark contrast to its glamorous beginnings? Today, La Rotonda stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation. Having undergone a major rehabilitation in 2016 by Alfredo Arribas, in collaboration with the building’s current owners, Núñez i Navarro, it continues to evolve. Núñez i Navarro, also known for owning the modernist masterpiece Casa Lleó i Morera on Passeig de Gràcia, have ensured that La Rotonda’s legacy lives on. La Rotonda is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a reflection of Barcelona’s vibrant history. It is a stage where luxury, war, healing, and rebirth have all played their part.