Reus: attractions, description, shopping

For some reason, in many tourists reviews about holidays in Spain on the Costa Dorada, Reus city is mentioned primarily as a kind of shopping center. Yes, there are many shops here, the choice is large, the prices are pleasing. . .
But, nevertheless, the main purpose of visiting Reus is culture. It is in this city the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi was born in 1852, there is a modern museum named after him and here, in Reus, you can see the most interesting examples of modernist architecture.
Long before the trip, many tourists book a car in Spain online to get a favorable rental rate, see more attractions and not depend on tour groups. In Reus, the cost of renting a compact class car is from 15 euros per day, in Malaga - from 17 euros per day. When renting for a longer period, you can get a discount.
Oddly enough, but Gaudí himself did not design a single house in Reus. The architect was born here, grew up until the age of 16 and then left to live, study and work in Barcelona.

The Reus guided tour, called the "Way of Modernism", starts at the Market Square from Gaudí Museum.
Here, on the first floor, there is an information center where you can take a map of the city for free and get the necessary explanations from the staff of the center. Well, then - go on a walk through this very pretty town.
We will not now strictly follow the route offered to tourists. Let's just talk about some of the interesting sights of Reus.
So, Market Square or Plasa Mercadal.
From the 5th century until the mid-40s of the 20th century, here, in the center of Reus, a central market was held on the square. Now it is a place for walking and relaxing. On the Market Square, by the way, is the city hall.
Next to the city hall is the house of Casa Pignol.
This is one of the examples of modernist architecture for which Reus is so famous. The house was built in 1910 by local architect Pere Caselles.
Well, the main attraction of the square is Casa Navas house. The house was built in 1908 by the architect Luis Domènech y Montanera.
And now let's digress a little from modernism and go towards the temple standing not far from the square.
This is the Prioral Church of St. Peter (Prioral de Sant Pere). In the XII century there was a small church of St. Mary. But in 1330, the temple was expanded, and then, already in the 16th century, a larger church building was built and consecrated in honor of the Reus saint patron - St. Peter. By the way, Antonio Gaudi was baptized in this church.

Near the temple is the old Fish Square. There used to be a fish market here. Now it is a quiet place with several cafes.We return to the Market Square and move along the path of modernism.Not far from the square and the Gaudí museum, there is another interesting example - Casa Laguna, also designed by Pere Casellas.A nice narrow little house, lined with ceramic mosaics, is located on Monterols Street, which overlooks the Prima Square - Plasa de Prim. The square is named after General Prim, who was born in Reus and became famous for his numerous victories in various wars. In the middle of the square is a monument to the general.And right behind the monument is the famous Fortuny Theater. The second largest theater in Catalonia was built in Reus in 1882. There are performances, as well as ballet and opera performances.

Then we recommend that you simply follow the recommended route, admire the interesting buildings marked on the map.Here, for example, is Rul House, built in 1900. Since 1925, the building has been owned by the city, and now the institute of culture is located here.If you wish, go to museums, of which there are many.By the way, along the way you will come across interesting sculptures. This one stands between Sant Pere Church and the Fish Square.The sculpture is called "Wind" - El Vent. Belongs to the Catalan sculptor Josep Jassan. And, as you can see, despite the fact that the Spaniards are very zealous Catholics, no one is embarrassed by the proximity of a naked female body next to the central temple of the city. By the way, on Reus streets you will see nudes in stone and bronze quite often.

Another interesting sculptural group stands near Prima Square.It turns out that the monument depicts a giant Indian. And the fact is that in Catalonia every year in different cities there are holidays of the Giants - Ciutat Gegantera. In 1993, such a celebration was held in Reus. This monument was erected in honor of that event.In addition to a walk along the "Way of Modernism", we also recommend visiting (of course, for educational purposes) the complex of the Pere Mata psychiatric hospital. The complex is famous for the fact that the design of the building belongs to the architect Luis Domenech y Montaner already mentioned above and is an example of modernist architecture. ***As for Reus trading, then here we do not undertake to give advice. Let's just say that yes, the positive reviews about shopping are absolutely true. Stores Reus has a lot of both small shops and large shopping centers. Prices are lower than in Salou. Probably because there are fewer tourists. Most importantly, do not forget about the siesta. Reus is a provincial town and the afternoon rest is sacred here. So plan a cultural program until 4-5 pm, and only then shopping.