Ca l'Alemany

Ca l'Alemany is a modernist residential building in Alella, a small town on the Maresme coast roughly 20 km northeast of Barcelona. Standing at Carrer Calderó 2, the house remains privately owned, but its facade is fully visible from the street, making it an easy stop while exploring the town's historic center.

What is the history behind Ca l'Alemany?

The house dates from the turn of the 20th century, a period when Catalan towns were being reshaped by bourgeois modernist architecture. Alella, historically known for vineyards and the wine trade, gained several representative residences built by wealthy local families during this era, and Ca l'Alemany is one of the best-preserved examples still showing its original design and ornamentation. The building is listed in Alella's municipal heritage catalogue (updated in 2010), which recognizes its architectural and historical value to the town's identity.

What can you see when visiting?

The building has a ground floor plus two upper stories, topped with a flat terrace. Its most notable feature is the southeast-facing facade, laid out with strict symmetry across three vertical bays. Segmental "arc rebaixat" arches top the window and door openings throughout, a hallmark of modernist craftsmanship. Upper-floor windows are framed by decorative arched mouldings with botanical motifs, while the entrance is marked by a tall, formal portal. First-floor balconies rest on carved stone brackets, and each of the three vertical bays is capped with a small rosette featuring lobed, petal-like ornamentation. Together these elements form a cohesive, elegant composition typical of bourgeois town architecture from the period in small Catalan municipalities.

How do you get to Ca l'Alemany?

Alella sits in the Maresme comarca, right along the Mediterranean coast, and is well connected to Barcelona. Driving is the most convenient option, taking about 25–30 minutes from downtown Barcelona. Regional buses also run from Barcelona to Alella, followed by a short walk into the town center, where the building sits on Carrer Calderó. Since Ca l'Alemany is close to other historic buildings in Alella, it's worth pairing the visit with a walk through the old town.

When is the best time to visit?

Because Ca l'Alemany is viewed mainly from the outside, it can be visited year-round. Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant conditions, with mild temperatures and the surrounding vineyards and terraced fields at their most scenic. Summers along the Maresme coast tend to be hot, so plan accordingly if visiting in July or August.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Ca l'Alemany? No, it's a private residence not open to visitors. The facade, however, can be freely admired from the street.

What architectural style does the building represent? Early 20th-century Catalan modernisme, featuring the symmetrical layout, segmental arches, and botanical ornamentation typical of bourgeois architecture from that period.

Is the building legally protected? Yes, Ca l'Alemany is listed in Alella's municipal cultural heritage catalogue, which safeguards the preservation of its historic facade.

How long does a visit take? Viewing the facade itself takes just a few minutes, but it's worth allowing extra time to stroll through central Alella and see nearby landmarks and vineyards.