Reus
Reus: is the capital of the comarca 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 by its commercial activity, for being a center for rock-climbing and as the birthplace of architect Antoni Gaudí.
Population
According to the 2006 official Spanish census (source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística), Reus is the 9th most populous city in Catalonia and the 59th in Spain.
1900 |
1930 |
1950 |
1970 |
1986 |
2006 |
26,681 |
31,299 |
35,950 |
59,904 |
81,145 |
101,767 |
Location
Located right in the centre of the Costa Daurada, very close to the main towns on the coast, and well connected to them, Reus is a typical Catalan city, with the Mediterranean touch, well known for its shopping, modernist heritage and its close relationship to the universal Antoni Gaudí, the architect of the Expiatory temple of the Holy Family of Barcelona.
History
Around 1150 Robert d'Aguiló repopulated the region of Reus, after receiving it on 3 June 1154. On 5 June 1154 the archbishop of Tarragona gave two-thirds of Reus to Bertran de Castellet, as a castellan, with the order to build a church. On 29 June 1159, the distribution of income from ecclesiastical goods, the third of its Reus parish of Santa Maria was awarded to the camerlengo, starting the duplicity of governing the town. The camerlengo has the third of Reus parish. At this time the city was known as Redis or Reddis. The castellan Bernat de Bell-lloc gave the title of town to Reus on 3 August 1183, giving the ownership of houses and gardens, establishing a census to pay for farmland and reserving justice, but recognizing its vassalage towards the archbishopric of Tarragona. On 2 June 1186 the camerlengo Joan de Santboi confirmed the rights given by the castellan Bernard de Bell-lloc
Sightseeing
Gaudí Centre
Located at the very heart of the city's historical centre, the Gaudí Centre is a new interpretation centre that allows people of all ages to discover the creative genius of Antoni Gaudí and learn to understand the secrets of his architecture. By means of various resources (audiovisuals, interactive models, scenery designs, personal objects, and so on) visitors enter the world of Gaudí by participating in it, opening up their senses and minds to new experiences.
The tour is conducted with audio guides, with explanations in six languages: Catalan, Spanish, French, English, Russian and German.
The Gaudí Route
In Reus, the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, you can still visit some of the places that the genius frequented during the sixteen years he lived here before leaving for Barcelona, as well as spots that have some connection to his life. If you would like to find out more about these places, we suggest taking the Gaudí tour of Reus.
Birthplace house and sculpture
Carrer de Sant Vicenç, 4
The architect Antoni Gaudí was born in this house on 25th June 1852 and lived here in Reus throughout his childhood and youth.
The Catalan Modernism Route
The Catalan Modernism Route is a pleasant stroll through the city centre of Reus that lets you get to know the city‘s most interesting façades. To admire the façades of the 26 buildings selected for the route, follow the signs and stop in front of the buildings identified with a plaque, on which you will see the building’s name, date of construction, and the name of the architect.
Some of the must-see buildings on the Catalan Modernism Route are the works of Lluís Domènech i Montaner (Institut Pere Mata, Casa Navàs, Casa Rull and Casa Gasull), which through the gracefulness of their style influenced other Catalan modernist buildings in Reus.
You will also visit buildings designed by Pere Caselles, who had worked with Domènech on the Institut Pere Mata and who designed a large number of buildings in the city. The works of Joan Rubió i Bellver, one of Gaudí’s disciples and colleagues are also worthy of note.
To learn more about the Catalan modernist buildings in Reus you can also book a guided tour of the route, which allows you to enter some places that are usually closed to the public. Ask the Tourist Office for visiting hours, both for individuals and organised groups, as well as for possibilities for visiting the Casa Navàs.
Tourist Office
Gaudí Centre
Plaça del Mercadal, 3
43201 Reus
Tel. 977 010 670
www.reusturisme.cat/en/
A city for shopping
Reus is well-known throughout Catalonia for its extensive shopping opportunities and the professional manner of its shopkeepers. It is an ideal city for a nice day out of leisurely shopping. Throughout the year, you can stroll along the centre’s streets and find a wide array of products of all kinds and have fun shopping and seeing the sights.
Useful Tips
Entering Spain:
Visitors from other European Union member countries may enter Spain using either a passport or their national identity document. Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport and a visa if required. Inquiries regarding visas can be directed to Spanish diplomatic representatives abroad.
Language:
Spanish & Catalan are the main languages spoken in Reus. English, and to a lesser extent French, are also fairly widely spoken. Tourist information, menus, etc. are nearly always available in English, French, and German.
General Safety Advice for Visitors:
Reus is a safe city, with almost no violent crime, and tourists and visitors can stroll around and sightsee at ease. However, as in any city, some basic safety precautions should be observed. When walking around typical tourist spots, be especially vigilant of handbags and wallets.
Health Regulation:
No international immunization is needed when entering Spain. However, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of all countries through which you may have to pass on your way to Spain.
Liability and Insurance:
The Congress organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries, loss or damage to property belonging to Congress participants (or their accompanying persons), either during or as a result of the Congress. Please check the validity of your own insurance.
Banks:
Banks are open from 8:30h to 14:00h from Monday to Friday during the summer months.
Credit Cards:
Currency and Exchange: All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler’s checks can be exchanged in Spain at banks and foreign exchange offices. Cash-point machines accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are available at most banks. The Spanish currency is the Euro.
VAT:
There is a variable value added tax (VAT) of 8% to 18% applied to most items and services, but most prices you see will include it. When it is not included, it should be clearly indicated.
Shopping:
Normal trading hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:00; however, in the city center and shopping malls, many shops stay open all day from 10:00 to 21:00.
Duty Free:
There are no restrictions on visitors entering Spain with goods bought in another European Union member country, as long as they are for their own use and not to sell.
Public Transport and Car Rental:
Reus has a good, comprehensive public transport network, with special ten-trip and one, two or three-day tickets valid on bus, metro and local trains. Taxis are abundant and reasonably priced. Free parking is very limited in the city center and car parks are expensive, so car rental is only really recommended for excursions outside the city.
Taxis:
Taxis in Reus may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands, or flagged down in the street. Always check that the meter is running. Taxis must usually be paid in cash though some accept credit cards.
Tipping:
In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, a gratuity is not included in the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general guideline is between 5% and 10% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, 1€ to 3€.