Venue
The SWAT4LS 2025 conference will be held at the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site in Barcelona, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
- Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- The venue is easily accessible by metro (L5 to Sant Pau | Dos de Maig) and bus (H8, D50, 19, 47).
The Sant Pau site, originally a hospital, is now a space for cultural events and conferences, blending modern amenities with a rich historical atmosphere. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful pavilions and gardens during the event.
Getting there
Barcelona is one of the most well-connected cities in Europe, making it easily accessible from numerous international destinations.
Airports
Barcelona El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN) is the primary airport, located about 12 kilometers southwest of the city center. The airport is well-connected to the city by train, metro, and bus.
- Train: The R2 Nord train line connects the airport to Barcelona’s city center. The journey takes about 25 minutes to reach Barcelona Sants, the main railway station.
- Metro: Line L9 Sud directly connects the airport terminals to various metro stations in the city, including Zona Universitària, offering easy transfers to other metro lines.
- Bus: The Aerobús service provides a direct connection between the airport and the city center (Plaça Catalunya), with buses running every 5-10 minutes.
Train and Bus Connections
Barcelona is also a major hub for rail and bus travel, with high-speed trains (AVE) connecting it to Madrid, Paris, and other European cities. The main railway station, Barcelona Sants, is centrally located and well connected to the metro and bus networks.
Public Transportation
Barcelona has an extensive public transportation network, including metro, buses, trams, and regional trains. The TMB website and apps like Moovit provide detailed information on routes and schedules.
Accommodation Near the Venue
Barcelona offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are a few hotels located near the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site:
- Sercotel Hotel Rosellon
- Address: Carrer del Rosselló, 390, 08025 Barcelona
- Distance from Venue: 12 minutes by foot
- Highlights: This modern hotel offers rooms with views of the Sagrada Familia and is known for its rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.
- Catalonia Gracia
- Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 368, 08037 Barcelona
- Distance from Venue: 20 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by public transport
- Highlights: Located near Passeig de Gràcia, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and is within walking distance to some of Gaudí’s famous works.
- Room Mate Carla
- Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 288, 08037 Barcelona
- Distance from Venue: 20 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by public transport
- Highlights: A stylish boutique hotel known for its vibrant design and close proximity to La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
- Hotel Amrey Sant Pau
- Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 173, 08041 Barcelona
- Distance from Venue: 3 minutes by foot
- Highlights: Conveniently located just steps from the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, this hotel offers affordable accommodation with easy access to public transport.
- Hotel Medicis
- Address: Carrer de Castillejos, 340, 08025 Barcelona
- Distance from Venue: 5 minutes by foot
- Highlights: A small, comfortable hotel that offers a cozy atmosphere and is within walking distance to both the venue and Sagrada Familia.
- Ibis Barcelona Centro
- Address: Carrer de Napols, 230-232, 08006 Barcelona
- Distance from Venue: 10 minutes by foot
- Highlights: A budget-friendly option known for its clean, functional rooms and central location close to many of Barcelona’s main attractions.
- Hotel Sagrada Familia
- Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 541, 08025 Barcelona
- Distance from Venue: 10 minutes by foot
- Highlights: This hotel offers simple, comfortable accommodations just a short walk from the Sagrada Familia and the conference venue.
These hotels provide convenient access to the conference venue as well as the nearby Sagrada Familia.
About Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture. Famous for the works of Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, Barcelona combines old-world charm with modern innovation.
The city boasts a unique blend of Gothic and Modernist architecture, lively markets, beautiful beaches, and a dynamic culinary scene. Whether you’re wandering through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter or enjoying tapas in a bustling bar, Barcelona offers something for everyone.
Places to Visit in Barcelona
Architecture and Landmarks
- Sagrada Familia: Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and an iconic symbol of Barcelona.
- Park Güell: Another of Gaudí’s creations, offering colorful mosaics and stunning views over the city.
- Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Two of Gaudí’s most famous residential buildings, located on the Passeig de Gràcia.
- Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): Explore narrow, winding streets filled with history, from Roman ruins to medieval churches.
Museums
- Museu Picasso: Houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.
- MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya): Offers a wide collection of Catalan art, from Romanesque to Modernism.
- Fundació Joan Miró: Dedicated to the works of the surrealist artist Joan Miró.
Beaches
- Barceloneta Beach: The most famous beach in Barcelona, close to the city center, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Bogatell Beach: A quieter alternative, popular among locals.
Cultural and Shopping Districts
- La Rambla: A bustling street in the heart of the city, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
- El Raval: Known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse culture.
- Passeig de Gràcia: A major avenue known for shopping and its concentration of modernist buildings.
For more information and detailed itineraries, you can visit the official Barcelona tourism website.
Photographic credits:
By Seko Naotomo, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52169149
By Kent Wang from Barcelona, Spain - Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=123302382
By Montse Poch - Flickr: VESTÍBUL HOSPITAL DE SANT PAU, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16778830