★★★★★ 5.0
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Palau Sant Jordi
That massive dome you're staring up at was actually assembled flat on the ground, then lifted 45 meters into the air in one single, breathtaking piece using revolutionary hydraulic jacks. Japanese architect Arata Isozaki opened this engineering marvel in 1990, two years before the Olympics even began, making it one of the most unusual pre-games constructions in Olympic history. The turtle-like shell you see isn't just beautiful - it's the largest indoor arena capacity in all of Spain at 17,960 seats, though for concerts it secretly holds 24,000 people. Isozaki chose this organic shape as a nod to Gaudí's Barcelona, while using Professor Mamoru Kawaguchi's innovative Panta-dome construction method. Outside, those 36 gleaming concrete cylinders topped with metal rings? That's sculptor Aiko Miyawaki's light installation that transforms this Montjuïc hillside into pure magic after sunset. From Madonna to Bruce Springsteen, this isn't just where Barcelona's Olympic dreams came true in '92 - it's where the city's biggest musical memories are made, night after unforgettable night.
Did You Know?
- Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and opened in 1990, Palau Sant Jordi is a masterpiece of modern engineering—its massive dome was raised using innovative hydraulic technology, and the organic, turtle-like shape of the roof is a subtle homage to Antoni Gaudí’s influence and the natural mountain setting of Montjuïc.
- Beyond its role as a key venue for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (hosting gymnastics, volleyball, and handball finals), Palau Sant Jordi has become a cultural icon, staging concerts by global superstars like Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyoncé, and even transforming its arena into a swimming pool for the World Swimming Championships.
- Outside the pavilion, visitors can discover a hidden artistic gem: a delicate sculpture garden by Japanese artist Aiko Miyawaki, featuring 36 concrete cylinders topped with gleaming metal rings and steel cables that sparkle in the evening light—a serene contrast to the bustling events inside.