Ca l'Anton Feliu

Ca l'Anton Feliu is a historic masia (Catalan country estate) in Vilassar de Dalt, a picturesque town in the Maresme region roughly 30 km north of Barcelona. The building sits at the highest point of the town, right behind the old castle, giving it views over the surrounding hills and the nearby coastline.

What is the story behind the building?

Ca l'Anton Feliu has passed through several chapters of the region's economic history. In the mid-19th century it operated as a textile mill, part of the wave of cotton-industry growth that shaped much of Maresme at the time. Around the turn of the 20th century the estate changed purpose again, becoming home to a liqueur distillery. Traces of that era survive today, including the original stills and product labels once used on-site.

The estate's standout architectural feature is its entrance portal, listed in Catalonia's heritage catalogue (Catàleg de Patrimoni). The design is attributed to Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of the most prominent architects of Catalan modernisme and the mind behind landmarks such as Casa Amatller in Barcelona. Finding his work in a small town like Vilassar de Dalt is an unusual and notable detail for visitors interested in the region's architecture.

What can you see and do here today?

The building now houses El Racó de Can Feliu, a restaurant that takes its name directly from the estate's former owners. Dining here means eating inside a 19th-century rural property, with the historic portal and the overall character of the old masia still intact. The kitchen serves Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine, drawing on seasonal dishes typical of the Maresme coast.

A visit to Ca l'Anton Feliu pairs naturally with a walk through Vilassar de Dalt itself. The town has kept a medieval-style street layout in its old quarter, and the remains of the castle the estate stands behind are just steps away.

How do you get to Ca l'Anton Feliu?

The building is located at Carrer Àngel Guimerà 41 in Vilassar de Dalt. The town sits on the Rodalies R1 commuter line linking Barcelona with the Maresme coast — Vilassar de Dalt station is a short walk from the centre, followed by an uphill stretch toward the town's highest point. By car, the drive from Barcelona takes about 30–40 minutes via the C-32 motorway or the coastal N-II road.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the building functions as a working restaurant, the best time to visit is during meal service — lunch or dinner lets you see the interior and the historic portal as part of a dining experience. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring Maresme on foot, avoiding the peak heat of Catalan summer. It's worth checking the restaurant's opening hours in advance, since access to the building depends on its current operating schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ca l'Anton Feliu? It's a historic masia in Vilassar de Dalt with a past as a 19th-century textile mill and later a liqueur distillery, now home to a restaurant.

Who designed the entrance portal? The portal is attributed to Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a leading Catalan modernisme architect, and is listed in the region's heritage catalogue.

Can you visit the inside of the building? The property operates as a restaurant (El Racó de Can Feliu), so interior access is mainly available to diners.

How do you get to Vilassar de Dalt? The easiest options are the Rodalies R1 train from Barcelona or driving via the C-32 motorway, with a journey time of about 30–40 minutes.