The guided tour at Catalonia’s Royal Academy of Medicine offers visitors a unique window into the academy’s rich history and its significant contributions to medical innovation. For just $13.11, guests can explore the academy’s neoclassical building and step inside the last remaining anatomical amphitheater of its kind in Spain. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 50-minute experience promises an engaging and educational journey through the academy’s storied past. With full refunds available and wheelchair accessibility, the tour caters to a diverse audience, inviting them to uncover the remarkable stories that have shaped the institution’s legacy.
Key Points

- The guided tour at the Catalan Royal Academy of Medicine provides a 50-minute exploration of the historical anatomical amphitheater, priced at $13.11 per person.
- The tour highlights the significance of the neoclassical building, which houses one of the oldest anatomical amphitheaters in Europe and was a hub of medical innovation.
- Knowledgeable live guides are available in Spanish, Catalan, and English, while audio guides offer content in 7 languages, including Chinese, French, and Russian.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, but steps may pose challenges for those with pre-existing medical conditions, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the premises.
- The tour has received an overall rating of 5/5 from 8 reviews, with high marks for value for money and engaging tour guides who provide insights into the academy’s fascinating historical connections.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour at Catalonia’s Royal Academy of Medicine is priced from $13.11 per person and lasts for 50 minutes.
Visitors can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. The meeting point is on Carme Street, Number 47, in Barcelona’s city center.
The tour takes guests through the neoclassical building, highlighting its historical significance as the location of Spain’s last anatomical amphitheater and one of the oldest in Europe.
Live guides are available in multiple languages, and an audio guide provides additional information in 7 languages.
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Historical Significance

Catalonia’s Royal Academy of Medicine is housed in a neoclassical building, an important site in Barcelona’s history.
The academy boasts the last anatomical amphitheater in Spain, one of the oldest in Europe. It was built in the 18th century by Ventura Rodríguez to train surgeons.
The academy is linked to notable figures in medicine, including Pere Virgili, Antoni de Gimbernat, and Santiago Ramón y Cajal.
These pioneering doctors made significant contributions to the field, cementing the academy’s legacy as a hub of medical innovation and education in Spain.
Tour Features

Guided tours at Catalonia’s Royal Academy of Medicine offer visitors a range of engaging features. Knowledgeable live guides provide insights in Spanish, Catalan, and English. To cater to the global audience, an audio guide is available in 7 languages, including Chinese, French, and Russian. The tour also highlights the site’s historical significance, such as the first X-ray experiment in Spain. Visitors can enjoy the academy’s rich medical heritage and explore its halls and anatomical amphitheater.
| Audio Guide Languages | Tour Guide Languages |
| — | — |
| Chinese | Spanish |
| English | Catalan |
| French | English |
| German | |
| Russian | |
Accessibility and Restrictions

The tour at Catalonia’s Royal Academy of Medicine is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of varying mobility to explore the historic site.
However, the tour may not be suitable for those with pre-existing medical conditions, as there are steps involved during the visit. Alcohol and drugs aren’t permitted on the premises.
Despite these restrictions, the guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the academy’s rich history and its connection to notable figures in the field of medicine.
Visitors can expect an engaging experience with the help of live tour guides and multilingual audio guides.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback

Visitors have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for the guided tour at Catalonia’s Royal Academy of Medicine.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 8 reviews, the tour has received high marks for its value for money. Customers have praised the engaging tour guides and the fascinating insights into the academy’s historical significance.
The tour’s accessibility has also been highlighted, with reviewers noting its suitability for wheelchair users.
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Exploring the Neoclassical Building

As visitors approach the Royal Academy of Medicine, they’re immediately struck by the grand neoclassical architecture that adorns the building.
Constructed in the 18th century, the façade features intricate stone carvings and a symmetrical design that’s characteristic of the neoclassical style.
Inside, the building houses an important anatomical amphitheater, one of the oldest in Europe, where surgeons were once trained.
The halls and corridors showcase the institution’s rich history, with artifacts and displays that provide insights into the evolution of medical practices in Spain.
Exploring this well-preserved historical site is a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time.
The Anatomical Amphitheater
At the heart of the Royal Academy of Medicine lies the captivating anatomical amphitheater, one of the oldest in Europe. This 18th-century training facility, built by renowned architect Ventura Rodríguez, served as a hub for educating surgeons. The amphitheater’s distinctive design, with its tiered seating, allowed students to observe demonstrations and learn the latest medical techniques.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Purpose | Surgical training |
| Construction | 18th century |
| Significance | One of the oldest in Europe |
The anatomical amphitheater remains a testament to Barcelona’s rich medical heritage and the Academy’s commitment to advancing the field of medicine.
Notable Figures in Medicine

The Royal Academy of Medicine has been home to numerous notable figures who’ve significantly contributed to the field of medicine. Among them is Pere Virgili, the founder of Spain’s first college of surgery.
Another prominent figure is Antoni de Gimbernat, a renowned anatomist and surgeon who made groundbreaking discoveries in hernia repair.
The Academy also has ties to Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist known for his work on the structure of the nervous system.
These esteemed individuals have left an indelible mark on the institution and the advancement of medical knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should check with the tour staff for any specific restrictions. Photographs can help capture the historical and architectural highlights of the Royal Academy of Medicine building.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for the tour. Visitors can wear comfortable clothing and shoes. However, it’s recommended to dress in a manner suitable for visiting a professional medical institution.
Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available?
The tour information does not mention any food or drink options being available at the Royal Academy of Medicine. Visitors are advised that alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the visit.
How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Full Tour Experience?
The recommended time for the full tour experience is around 50 minutes. This allows visitors to explore the historical halls, learn about the academy’s significance, and engage with the live tour guide or audio guide during the visit.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?
According to the tour information, reservations are not required. However, it’s recommended to book in advance as tour availability may be limited, especially during peak season. Cancellations can be made up to 3 days prior for a full refund.
The Sum Up
The guided tour at Catalonia’s Royal Academy of Medicine offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the institution’s rich medical history. With its well-preserved anatomical amphitheater, knowledgeable guides, and accessible facilities, the tour provides an engaging and informative experience for all. Priced at just $13.11, it’s an opportunity to explore one of Europe’s oldest and most significant medical institutions.
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