Candlelight Concerts at the University of Barcelona's Paraninfo: How to Visit, Program & Tickets

At a Glance: Candlelight Concerts at Barcelona University's Paraninfo

The majestic Paraninfo — the grand ceremonial hall inside the University of Barcelona's Historic Building, just minutes from Plaça Catalunya — is now hosting the popular Candlelight concerts, with tickets from €29.50. The university is Spain's only institution in the global top 200 of the 2026 Shanghai Ranking.

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585 (Eixample, next to Plaça Universitat).

A Neo-Romanesque Hall With 150 Years of History

For more than 150 years, the Paraninfo has been the great ceremonial hall of the university's Historic Building. Designed by architect Elies Rogent — who also oversaw the Ciutadella precinct — it overwhelms visitors with its neo-Romanesque style: coffered ceilings, rows of arches and vast murals covering the walls.

The Hall's Story

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. He placed the Paraninfo at the heart of the Historic Building, between the Sciences and Humanities wings, reserving it ever since for course inaugurations, tributes and other significant ceremonies. Over time the hall also hosted politically charged student assemblies, including one in 1969 during the height of university opposition to Francoism.

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Candlelight Concerts at the Paraninfo

The Candlelight concerts held here are among Barcelona's most popular classical music events. Lit only by candlelight, the hall becomes the stage for a string quartet that guides you — depending on the date — through great classical works, film soundtracks and even current pop-rock hits. Upcoming tribute concerts include:

• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer — Oct 9, 2026, 19:00 — from €29.50

• Candlelight: Ed Sheeran & Coldplay — Oct 9, 2026, 21:00 — from €30.00

• Candlelight: Classic Rock on Strings — Nov 6, 2026, 19:00 — from €30.00

• Candlelight: Tribute to La ley Innata — Nov 6, 2026, 21:00 — from €29.50

Getting There

The Paraninfo is on the first floor of the University of Barcelona's Historic Building at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, right next to Plaça Universitat. The easiest way is to take the metro to Universitat station (lines L1 and L2), or catch buses X1, H12, V13, 52, 54 or 59, which stop nearby. If you're driving, there are several car parks in the area, such as Saba Bamsa Rambla Catalunya.

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Can You Visit It Freely?

The hall is not open to the general public on a continuous basis. To see inside, you need to attend a public event (such as a Candlelight concert), sign up for one of the university's occasional guided tours, or take the virtual tour.

Accessibility

Yes. The university's Historic Building has step-free access (entrance via Diputació street), lifts up to the first floor and wheelchair spaces inside the Paraninfo.

Nearby Sights

From the Historic Building you can easily reach Plaça de Catalunya, Las Ramblas, the MACBA and the CCCB, or wander into the Raval and the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona also has other Candlelight venues — the Real Círculo Artístico, about a 15-minute walk away, regularly hosts these candlelit concerts too.

Source: Barcelona Secreta "La única universidad de España en el 'top 200' mundial... así puedes visitar su gran salón de actos y asistir a sus conciertos" (August 24, 2026)