The Paraninfo at the University of Barcelona is located on Plaça de la Universitat (Eixample) and has served for over 150 years as the main auditorium of the UB’s Historic Building, the only Spanish university ranked among the world’s top 200 according to the 2026 edition of the Shanghai Ranking. It was designed by Elies Rogent, who oversaw the construction of the Ciutadella complex, and is awe-inspiring from the moment you enter, thanks to its Neo-Romanesque style featuring coffered ceilings, rows of arches, and enormous murals covering the walls.
The Candlelight concerts in the Paraninfo at the University of Barcelona further enhanced that atmosphere by combining thousands of candles and live music in a setting that was simply unbeatable.
History of the Paraninfo at the University of Barcelona
When the University of Barcelona returned to the city after more than a century in exile in Cervera, Elies Rogent was commissioned to design a new home for the institution. In the center of the Historic Building, right between the Sciences and Humanities wings, he placed the Paraninfo, which has since been reserved for the opening of the academic year, tributes, and other important events. Over time, the hall also hosted political student assemblies, such as the one that took place in 1969, at the height of the university opposition to the Franco regime.
Concerts at the Paraninfo
At the Paraninfo, you can enjoy the Candlelight concerts, one of Barcelona’s most popular classical music events. Illuminated solely by candlelight, the hall becomes the stage for a string quartet, which guides you (depending on the date) through the finest classical compositions, movie soundtracks, and even contemporary pop-rock hits. You can now view the upcoming tribute concerts and purchase tickets:
11 December 2026 19:00
3 December 2026 19:00
6 November 2026 19:00 + more dates
6 November 2026 21:00 + more dates
Where is it and how to get to the Paraninfo at the University of Barcelona
The Paraninfo is located on the first floor of the Historic Building of the University of Barcelona, at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, next to Plaça Universitat. The easiest way to get there is to get off at the Universitat metro station, which is served by lines L1 and L2. You can also get there by bus on lines X1, H12, V13, 52, 54, or 59, which have stops in the vicinity. If you’re driving, there are several parking lots in the area, such as the Saba Bamsa Rambla Catalunya.
Can you visit it?
It is not open to the general public on a regular basis. To see the interior, you must attend a public event (such as the Candlelight concerts), sign up for one-time guided tours organized by the UB, or take its virtual tour.
Is it accessible to people with limited mobility?
Yes. The UB’s Historic Building has accessible entry (entrance on Diputació Street), elevators to the first floor, and wheelchair-accessible spaces inside the Paraninfo.
Nearby points of interest in Barcelona
From the Historic Building of the University of Barcelona, you can also head to Plaça de Catalunya, Las Ramblas, the MACBA, or the CCCB, as well as wander through the Raval and the Barri Gòtic. And, beyond the Paraninfo itself, there are other Candlelight venues in Barcelona, such as the Real Círculo Artístico, about a 15-minute walk away, where these candlelit concerts are also held.
