Reus is the capital of Baix Camp, in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia, Spain. The area has always been an important producer of wines and spirits, and gained continental importance at the time of the Phylloxera plague. Nowadays it is known for its commercial activity, for being a centre for rock-climbing and as the birthplace of architect Antoni Gaudí. In this article we review the top places to visit in Reus.
Top 10 things to do in Reus
Sant Pere Square
This square received its name after the Church that stands in the middle of it, the Sant Pere Church. It is in the heart of the old center, and it can only be accessed by walking, all the squares and streets around are open only for pedestrians. The square is cloesly connected with the Peixateries Square as well.
Peixateries Square
The Old Fishmongers’ Square (Peixateries Square) is one of the coolest places to be in Reus. It is packed with nice vermouth bars, it is open for flea and traditional markets several times a month, and with the nice arches around it has a lovely atmosphere just to be around. Don’t miss it out!
Casa Navàs is a building designed by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, located in the city’s Plaça del Mercadal. Joaquim Navàs Padró of Reus contracted Lluís Domènech i Muntaner as the architect of his new house. The building was constructed from 1901 to 1908. The building had a tower on the left facade, but it was destroyed by bombing by Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War and never rebuilt. Inside the building is a very wide and brightly lit space. Marble works were done by Alfons Juyol i Bach, the paintings by Tomàs Bergadà, the furniture by Gaspar Homar and the ceramics by Hipòlit Montseny; all of them under the instructions of Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Nowadays the building is still the same as it was originally (except the tower), and that includes the furniture, the ceramics, mosaics, lights, etc.
Old Market Square – Placa del Mercadal
Reus has an iconic and busy Market Square. It gives home to the Renaissance town hall, a lot of terraces where you can enjoy vermouth, and also the above mentioned beautiful corner house: the Navàs House. All the furniture, glass, ceramics are all of modernist aesthetics, and turning this house possibly in one of the most beautiful in Spain. Also, the tourist office is located here and the Gaudí Centre of Reus, too. This is a center of interpretation of the work of renowned architect, and at the same time claimed the roots of genius. There are also interactive elements to better understand the Gaudí architecture, or the answers to many of the puzzles that have emerged around Antoni Gaudí.
Carrer Major
We also recommend taking a stroll on Carrer Major and admire all the beautiful facades of the street. It is packed with lovely balconies and nicely renovated entrance gates. Carrer Major is the one that also connects the Old Market Square with the Sant Pere Square, very nice passage.
Antoni Gaudí’s Brithplace
If you are visiting Reus, you should definitely find a way to discover those places linked to Antoni Gaudí’s life. The architect lived the first 16 years of his life in Reus, and then returned frequently to visit family and friends. From his birthplace to the places he frequented in his childhood and adolescence before leaving for Barcelona. You can retrace the steps of the genius with the “Gaudí&Reus” Route, which includes the sculpture that the city dedicated to him in his childhood as a point of interest, to understand the universe of the architect.
And, if what you want is to discover the secrets of genius, visit the Gaudí Centre, the only interpretation center on the life and work of the architect. The Gaudí Center Reus is the tribute that Gaudí’s hometown dedicates to his most universal son.
El Gigante Indio – The Indian Giant
The oldest documentary reference to the giants in Reus is from the year 1620. On Saint Sebastian’s day the giants participated in the procession that the Municipal Council officially accompanied to San Pedro. At the beginning of the 19th century, three pairs of giants that have survived to this day are also documented: the Vitxeta, the Moors and the Indians, although there are several versions about the date they were released.
In any case, they respond to a vision of the world typical of the time, as is the case of the Indians, very similar to other iconographic representations of Native Americans at that time. Apparently, the troupe of giants from Reus should represent the four parts of the world; but only three were made: the Vitxeta (Europe), the Moors (Asia) and the Indians (America); they were missing to make the figures of Africa.
The Indian Giant of Reus is located on San Juan street, in front of the Hospital, and was made in 1993 by the sculptor Nicolás Ortiz Sierra. Made in bronze, it represents in a naturalistic way the “Indian Giant” accompanied at the base of a bearer resting. The sculpture also serves as a tribute to the giants and to the fact that Reus was proclaimed the city of giants in 1993.
The Modernist Route
If you are of those that you love Art Nouveau architecture, a walk in Reus will leave you well satisfied. As you know, Antoni Gaudí was born in town. Also, the great architect lived in Reus his childhood and youth, but no building in the city bears his signature. Despite this singular fact, known as “the city of shopping” boils modernism everywhere, shows the cultural and commercial excitement that was in Reus late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Here you can read about how you can book tickets for the Modernist Route.
The Market – Mercat Central
This indoor market should be included in architecture reviews, such a beautiful building. Inside, a lot of stalls selling meat, fish and vegetables. There is also a small cafe/eatery in the top corner. It is worth having a wander round if you are any where near, it is opposite the church of John the Baptist. Mercat Central de Reus is open:
- Mon – Sat 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Fri – Fri 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Institute of Pere Mata
L’Institut Pere Mata is a psychiatric hospital in Reus. The building was designed by the Catalan modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The hospital predates Hospital Sant Pau of Barcelona and it has a similar structure. Lluís Domènech i Montaner followed the structure of different buildings for different specialities. The building process took place from 1897 to 1912. Currently the building is still used as a psychiatric hospital, but one of the pavilions is not in medical use anymore and can be visited.
+1: Discover the Vermouth Culture of Reus
Why is vermouth so characteristic for Reus? Well, this town was the great wine producing and exporting centre of southern Europe in the 18th century. At that time, Reus was able to specialise in this product, which was increasingly in demand from northern Europe: the Netherlands, northern Germany and France, Sweden, Denmark, England… made Reus a powerful wine industry that also triumphed thanks to the enterprising vision of its producers and merchants, many of whom came from abroad, as well as its location near the Port of Salou, the most important port in Tarragona at that time, which became a notable point of exchange with European markets.
Places like the Museu del Vermut, Vermuts Rofes Restaurant, the Oenological Station and the town’s small wineries are essential places to visit to get to know Reus Vermouth and its history. You can also follow the Reus vermouth route by La teva ruta, which offers several tours that combine history, modernism and vermouth. They will take you to the places you can’t miss!
Read more about Vermouth Culture in Barcelona too!
How to get to Reus
By car
It’s very easy to reach Reus by car, and it also has an airport, so you can fly directly to the Airport of Reus and rent a car there.
By train
If you land in Barcelona and you would like to go to Reus by train, it is also possible. First you have to catch the RENFE train form Barcelona airport to Barcelona Sants Rail station (journey time approximately 25 minutes). From Barcelona Sants you need to change for the Train to Reus Centre. Trains leave from Barcelona Sants to Reus Centre every hour (approximately).
Enjoy our discounts in Reus
Useful information about Reus
Where to find the Reus?
Reus is the capital of Baix Camp, in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia, Spain. The area has always been an important producer of wines and spirits.
Is Reus safe?
Reus and The Costa Dorada, or Golden Coast, in Catalonia, is famous for its long stretches of golden, sandy beaches, historical towns and peaceful seaside villages. The whole area is safe.
When is the best time to visit Reus?
The best time to visit Reus is between April and June, and from September to November. The summer months can be super hot, as well as Winter can be chilly and less pleasant for sight-seeing.
Which F.C. Barcelona player is originally from Reus?
Sergi Roberto is originally from Reus.
Best experiences around Reus
Reus has everything a visitor needs to have a great experience. Its natural beauty draws visitors from around the world- along with its numerous important sites and cultural heritage. As far as things to do in the place go, there are plenty of activities available for visitors in and around Reus.
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