Ca la Lola

Ca la Lola is a historic masia — a traditional Catalan rural estate — in Teià, a small town in the Maresme comarca of Barcelona province. Standing at Carrer Narcís Monturiol 14, it ranks among the oldest surviving examples of rural architecture in this part of Catalonia.

What is the history behind this building?

Records of a building on this site go back to the 13th century, though the name "Ca la Lola" only emerged in the 16th century. The earliest documented owners belonged to the Madalmay family, already listed in the 1515 census of the Sant Martí de Teià parish, with the oldest surviving deeds bearing Gabriel Madalmay's name dating to 1617. The family held the property for centuries until 1860, when Miquel Madalmay, having no direct heirs, sold the estate to Tomàs Castanyè Tolrà — great-grandfather of the family that still owns and maintains it today.

What will you see there?

The main draw of Ca la Lola is its surviving Gothic detailing, remarkably intact after centuries. Look for the arched entrance portal and the three characteristic ogee-shaped windows, typical of 15th-century construction. These features earned the building a place in Catalonia's Inventory of Architectural Heritage, and it is also registered as a Local Cultural Interest Asset in the region's cultural heritage inventory. Few visitors get the chance to see rural architecture this old still standing in something close to its original form, just a short drive from the Maresme coastline.

How do you get to Ca la Lola?

Teià sits slightly inland, a few kilometers from coastal towns such as El Masnou and Premià de Mar, making it an easy detour from Barcelona — roughly a half-hour drive. The masia itself is located at Carrer Narcís Monturiol 14, in a quiet, semi-rural corner typical of the Maresme interior. A car is the most practical way to arrive, since the surrounding area is residential and agricultural rather than densely served by public transport.

When and why should you visit?

Today Ca la Lola operates as a private event venue, hosting weddings, yoga retreats, and other intimate gatherings within its historic walls. It appeals most to visitors who want to combine history, architecture, and a peaceful countryside setting away from the coastal crowds. Anyone interested in Catalan heritage can treat Teià and its surrounding masies as a worthwhile complement to the more famous coastal stops along the Maresme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ca la Lola? It's a historic masia in Teià with documented origins going back to the 13th century, known by its current name since the 16th century, and now listed in Catalonia's architectural heritage inventory.

What's the most notable architectural feature? The arched entrance portal and three Gothic ogee windows dating from the 15th century — details rarely preserved in such good condition.

Who owned the estate through the centuries? The Madalmay family held it from at least 1515 until 1860, when it passed to the Castanyè family after Miquel Madalmay died without direct heirs; their descendants still own it today.

Can you visit Ca la Lola? It now functions as a private event space for weddings and workshops, so access is generally tied to a booked event rather than open, independent sightseeing.