La Rotonda Barcelona: Modernist Icon and Experience in Sant Gervasi.

The La Rotonda building —also known as Torre Andreu— is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks of Sant Gervasi–La Bonanova, located on Avinguda del Tibidabo in the upper area of Barcelona. Over more than a century, this emblematic structure has served multiple purposes, from a luxury hotel to a healthcare facility, reflecting the city’s social and urban evolution.

Its origins date back to 1906, when Dr. Salvador Andreu promoted the creation of a garden city on the slopes of Tibidabo. The project included elegant mansions, a tramway along the avenue, and the Funicular del Tibidabo (1901), connecting to the summit, where the Parque de Atracciones del Tibidabo was स्थापित. The centerpiece of this ambitious development was the Metropolitan Hotel.

Architect Adolf Ruiz Casamitjana designed the building in the Modernisme style, completed in 1918. It was later expanded by Enric Sagnier, who introduced Noucentista elements, creating a distinctive architectural hybrid. After the Guerra Civil Española, it was renamed Hotel La Rotonda, referencing its iconic circular tower.

Located at the intersection of Passeig de Sant Gervasi and Avinguda del Tibidabo, the hotel became a social hub for Barcelona’s bourgeoisie, featuring a prestigious restaurant with capacity for 500 guests, hosting major events and celebrations.

Architecturally, the building consists of a ground floor, mezzanine, three upper floors, and basement levels. The façade combines ashlar stonework at the base with yellow sgraffito featuring vegetal motifs above. Notable elements include continuous and individual balconies, segmental arch windows, and rich sculptural ornamentation.

Its undulating crown, lateral towers, and especially the circular tower define its visual identity. The tower is topped by a circular temple supported by eight columns adorned with mosaics, floral capitals, and eagle-based pedestals. The dome is richly decorated with glazed ceramics and floral mosaics, accompanied by eight green dragon gargoyles. These decorative elements were created by ceramist Lluís Bru at the Pujol i Bausis workshop.

After decades of decline, the building was converted into a healthcare facility in the 1980s. In 1999, Núñez y Navarro acquired the property and carried out a major renovation over six years.

Completed in 2016, the intervention preserved the historic modernist façade while completely rebuilding the interior and replacing later additions. The new structure incorporates large-scale UHPC concrete panels—some curved—to enhance visual permeability and integration with the surroundings. The building was transformed into a mixed-use complex with offices, retail spaces, and parking.

Current status (2026):
Today, La Rotonda is fully operational as a business and commercial hub, hosting international companies such as Nike, as well as restaurants, a gym, and local services, contributing to the economic vitality of Barcelona’s upper district.

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