Former Public Schools (Ramon Bosch de Noya Library)

Symmetry, civic monumentality and ornamental details define the old Public Schools, built between 1902 and 1904 under the direction of the modernist architect Miquel Madurell i Rius. The building, exempt and in the shape of an inverted U, occupies an entire island and dialogues with the urban space thanks to a main facade of five hierarchical bodies.

The central body, higher, proclaims the original function with the inscription “ESCUELAS PÚBLICAS” and a sculpted shield. Padded pilasters, floral permoduli and twin windows of the side bodies combine eclecticism and modernism. The ends incorporate capcers filled with geometric pieces, while the side wings, of a single floor, hugged the courtyard intended for children's play.

The history of the work is long: the project was promoted as early as 1889, but the outbreak of phylloxera delayed the construction until the public tender in 1902, won by the contractor Rafel Isart. On the second day of the Feast of 1902, the first stone was laid and in just three years the schools were inaugurated, providing the town with modern pedagogical equipment segregated by gender.

Entirely renovated between 2014 and 2017 by architects Oriol Cusidó and Irene Marzo, today they house the Ramon Bosch de Noya Municipal Library and share a patio with the Historical Archive. This intervention preserved the original skin, eliminated improper additions and incorporated efficient facilities, making the building a benchmark for the reuse of school heritage from the early 20th century.

Open to visitors: Yes
More information: Link 1