Reus history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Reus dates back to the Middle Ages. Although traces of human presence in this region date to earlier periods, the city began to take shape as an independent settlement in the mid-12th century (around 1154). In written sources of that time, it is mentioned under the Latin name Reddis. Its foundation was part of the large-scale process of resettling the Camp de Tarragona territory following the Reconquista.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant urban centre was driven by a combination of several factors:

• Strategic Geography: The city was situated at the intersection of important routes connecting the Mediterranean coast with the inland areas of Catalonia, making it a natural stopover for trade and travel.
• Political Rivalry: The early history of Reus is marked by a struggle for influence between the Archbishop of Tarragona and local feudal lords (castlans). This tension contributed to the strengthening of the city's identity and the residents' desire for autonomy.
• Trading Status: A decisive moment was receiving the official right to hold markets on Mondays in 1309. This event cemented the city's status as a commercial hub of the province.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From its foundation, the economy of Reus relied on agriculture and craft production. Residents were actively engaged in viticulture and nut cultivation, which later brought the region global fame. By the Middle Ages, a strong merchant class and craft guilds had formed here, laying the foundation for the city's future prosperity as a centre of commerce and entrepreneurship.

Major Milestones in the History of Reus

The history of Reus is a journey from a small medieval settlement to a thriving centre of trade and Modernism. Below are the key dates that defined the appearance of the modern city.

• 1154 — The first written mention of the name Reddis in documents, considered the starting point of the settlement's history.
• 1309 — King James II grants the city the privilege to hold a weekly market on Mondays, laying the foundation for future commercial power.
• 18th Century (mid) — The beginning of the "Golden Age" of spirits and brandy production, thanks to which Reus becomes the second most important city in Catalonia after Barcelona.
• 1814 — Birth of General Joan Prim in Reus, a distinguished military and political figure of 19th-century Spain.
• 1838 — Marià Fortuny is born in the city; he would later become one of the most celebrated Spanish painters.
• 1852 — Birth of Antoni Gaudí, the great architect whose work would forever glorify Catalan culture.
• 1856 — Launch of the railway line connecting Reus with Tarragona, giving a powerful impulse to the export of local products.
• 1899 — Queen Regent Maria Christina officially grants Reus the title of "City" (Ciudad) for its economic successes and the diligence of its residents.
• 1901 — Architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner begins construction of the Pere Mata Psychiatric Institute, a gem of Modernism.
• 1908 — Completion of Casa Navàs, a unique mansion on the market square that has preserved its original interiors to this day.
• 1935 — Foundation of the local aeroclub, upon which the modern Reus International Airport was subsequently developed.
• 2007 — Grand opening of the Gaudí Centre, an interactive museum on Plaça del Mercadal dedicated to the legacy of the great architect.

Stages of City Development and Formation

The history of Reus is a dynamic path from a medieval market to one of the main commercial centres of Catalonia. The economic successes of past centuries directly influenced the architectural appearance and cultural code of the city.

• Obtaining Market Privileges. The foundation of Reus's prosperity was laid in the Middle Ages when the city received the right to hold weekly markets. This turned it into the main trading hub of the Camp de Tarragona region, attracting merchants from all around and stimulating the development of local infrastructure.
• The "Reus, Paris, London" Era (18th–19th Centuries). During this period, the city reached the peak of its commercial influence thanks to the production and export of distilled beverages (brandy and vermouth). The turnover was so significant that prices for these products on the global market were dictated by three cities: Reus, Paris, and London. This time brought colossal capital to the city.
• Textile Industrialisation. In the 19th century, Reus became one of the pioneers of the industrial revolution in Spain. The arrival of steam engines and the opening of large cotton spinning and silk weaving factories led to a sharp increase in population and the expansion of the city limits beyond the medieval walls.
• Railway Breakthrough. The launch of one of Spain's first railway lines (Reus — Tarragona) in 1856 was a critical stage. This ensured direct access to the sea for exporting goods, strengthening the city's status as a logistics centre and allowing the local bourgeoisie to increase export capacities.
• Architectural Boom of Modernism. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, wealthy industrialists and merchants began mass-commissioning the construction of mansions from the best architects of the time (Domènech i Montaner, Pere Caselles). This urban transformation gifted Reus a unique appearance, making it a city with one of the highest concentrations of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe.
• Status as World Hazelnut Capital. For a long time, Reus remained the reference centre for setting international prices on hazelnuts and almonds. The city's agricultural exchange played a key role in the region's economy, supporting nut-growing traditions that are still alive today.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Reus is a clear reflection of its economic history. The city developed in concentric circles around a medieval core, but the true urban explosion occurred during the era of industrialisation, gifting Reus its main pride — a unique heritage of Catalan Modernism.

From Gothic to Baroque: Foundations of the Old Town

The historic city centre has preserved its medieval layout with narrow streets, although most landmark buildings of this period were rebuilt or erected later, during the era of flourishing trade.

• Late Gothic (16th Century): The dominant feature of the old town is the Prioral Church of Sant Pere (Església Prioral de Sant Pere). Although its construction was completed in the 16th century, it is designed in the Gothic style. Its tall bell tower is the main landmark in the city panorama.
• Baroque and Renaissance (17th–18th Centuries): With the growth of local merchants' wealth, luxurious residences appeared in the city. A vivid example is the Palau Bofarull, built in the Baroque style. Its façade and interiors, decorated with frescoes, demonstrate the status of the bourgeoisie of that time. The reconstruction of the Sanctuary of Misericòrdia (Santuari de Misericòrdia) also belongs to this period.

Modernism: The "Golden Age" of Reus Architecture

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Reus experienced a true architectural boom. The local bourgeoisie, having become wealthy from the trade in spirits and textiles, sought to demonstrate their status through the construction of mansions in the fashionable Modernisme (Art Nouveau) style. Today, Reus is part of the European Art Nouveau Route.

Key objects of this era:

• Pere Mata Institute (1898–1912): A masterpiece by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This complex of pavilions, built as a psychiatric hospital, is considered a precursor to the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona. It is distinguished by rich decoration and the use of ceramics and mosaics.
• Casa Navàs: Located on Plaça del Mercadal, this mansion is a unique example of European Modernism, as it has fully preserved its original interiors, furniture, and stained glass. The building was designed by Domènech i Montaner as a residential house and fabric shop.
• Casa Rull and Casa Gasull: Two more iconic creations by Domènech i Montaner, demonstrating the evolution of style from lavish decor to stricter, almost Noucentista lines.
• Works of Pere Caselles: The city architect of Reus, Pere Caselles, also left a significant mark, creating numerous residential houses in the Modernist style that form the look of the central streets (for example, Casa Punyed and Casa Anguera).

Modern Development and Postmodernism

In the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, the city continued to expand, growing with new residential districts. The contemporary architecture of Reus strives to harmonise with the historical heritage without overpowering it.

• Gaudí Centre: Opened in 2007 on the market square, this museum and exhibition complex represents an example of modern architecture that fits delicately into the historical context. The building functions as an interpretive centre dedicated to the life and work of Reus native Antoni Gaudí, although the great master did not build a single building in his hometown.
• La Fira Centre Comercial: An example of modern commercial architecture integrated into the urban environment, with an emphasis on functionality and sustainability.

Distinguished Personalities of Reus

Reus rightly takes pride in its natives, whose names are forever inscribed in the history of art, politics, and science, not only in Spain but across the world. Here is a list of the most famous figures associated with this city.

• Antoni Gaudí — Architect
  The greatest representative of Catalan Modernism and creator of the Sagrada Família temple. Although he did not build buildings in Reus itself, it is here (according to one version) that he was born and spent his childhood, which shaped his unique vision of nature and forms. A modern interactive centre dedicated to his life operates in the city.
• Joan Prim — General and Statesman
  One of the most influential political figures of 19th-century Spain. Count of Reus and President of the Council of Ministers of Spain, he played a key role in the country's liberal reforms. His equestrian statue adorns the city's main square, which bears his name.
• Marià Fortuny — Painter
  A virtuoso artist recognised as one of the masters of 19th-century Spanish painting. He became famous for his Orientalist canvases and genre scenes ("The Vicar"). The artist's heart, in accordance with his will, was returned to his native Reus and is kept in the Church of Sant Pere.
• Eduard Toda i Güell — Diplomat and Egyptologist
  A childhood friend of Gaudí and the first Spanish Egyptologist. He participated in the discovery of the untouched tomb of Sennedjem in Egypt. He is also known for dedicating the last years of his life to the restoration of the famous Poblet Monastery.
• Roseta Mauri — Prima Ballerina
  A ballet star of the late 19th century who shone on the stage of the Paris Opera. She was a muse for many Impressionists, including Edgar Degas and Édouard Manet, becoming a symbol of the artistic success of Reus natives abroad.
• Josep Tapiró — Watercolour Painter
  A close friend of Fortuny and Gaudí who dedicated a significant part of his life to Tangier. His watercolour portraits of North African residents are distinguished by incredible detail and ethnographic accuracy, bringing him international recognition.
• Gabriel Ferrater — Poet and Linguist
  A prominent 20th-century intellectual whose works had a profound influence on modern Catalan literature. His poetry is characterised by realism and deep psychologism.