Palau Maricel

1. Arrival
2. Nights
3. Guests (Age 10 and Over)
4. Children (Under Age 10)

American millionaire Charles Deering began work on the Maricel Palace in 1912 with the intention of displaying his private collection of art. With the help of Miquel Utrillo i Morlius, an engineer, it was built on the site of the old medieval free hospital at Sitges, some elements of it, such as the gothic arches, were incorporated into the design of the new building. The produced structure resembled the design of Cau Ferrat; this is quite easy to observe in some parts of the building.

The Palau Maricel in Sitges (El Garraf) is open to visitors, and buildings nearer the sea are freely accessible, but it is necessary to make an appointment to view the other buildings on the other side. (These can be made via the Consorci del Patrimoni de Sitges). Apartments are easy to find even though Sitges is only a small city and there is no need to worry about location or getting from one place to another. Wherever in Sitges apartments are situated, access to all the museums including the Maricel Museum is relatively easy on foot.

Charles Deering bought all the houses on both sides of the road and converted the ones nearer the sea into his own private residence. The building has a tower with battlements on top and was named Torre de Sant Miquel (or Saint Michael’s Tower) and there is a bridge across the road which connects both parts of Maricel Palace. The main gate of the inland section (Maricel de Terra) has an ornate staircase which leads up to the main room, known as the Gold Room, to the Blue Room and above that are the cloisters, which provide an excellent view of the sea. Most of the decorative elements were copied from elsewhere, or specially commissioned from artists and sculptors like Pere Jou, the sculptor who decorated the windows.

Today the sea side of Maricel is a museum which holds the Charles Deering Collection and the inland side is used for functions and events and is not generally open to visitors without an appointment. In Sitges apartments are plentiful, but it does tend to get very busy during peak season; advance booking is essential.