Cabrera de Mar town hall

Cabrera de Mar town hall stands at Plaça de l'Ajuntament 5, right in the centre of this small town in the Maresme comarca, on the coast north of Barcelona. It is not a headline attraction on its own, but it works as a natural reference point for anyone exploring Cabrera de Mar — a good place to start a walk through the historic centre and on toward the nearby archaeological sites.

What is the building's story?

The design for the town hall was drawn up in 1903 by the Catalan architect Bonaventura Bassegoda i Amigó, known for numerous modernist and eclectic buildings across Catalonia. Construction, however, did not begin until decades later, running from 1928 to 1930 — a familiar pattern for small municipalities, where an ambitious design waited a quarter of a century before funding allowed it to be built. The result is a modest but dignified civic building that still houses the local government today, exactly as originally intended.

How do you get there?

Cabrera de Mar sits on the Maresme coast, between Vilassar de Mar and Cabrils, roughly 25–30 km northeast of Barcelona. Driving is the simplest option, via the C-32 motorway or the N-II road, exiting toward the town centre — parking near the town hall square is usually easy outside peak summer weekends. The alternative is the Rodalies commuter train to Vilassar de Mar or the Cabrera de Mar-Vilassar de Mar station, followed by a short walk or a local bus into the town centre, where the square and town hall are located.

What else is there to see nearby?

The square in front of the town hall is a natural starting point for exploring the rest of Cabrera de Mar's centre — the parish church and the narrow streets of the old town. The town is best known for archaeological sites tied to the region's Iberian and Roman past, including Ca l'Arnau and Turó d'en Boscà, which document early settlement along this stretch of the Maresme coast. The area also produces wine — vineyards belonging to the Alella appellation surround the town, so a walk here can easily be combined with a local wine tasting.

When should you visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times, when temperatures along the Maresme coast are mild and the surrounding vineyards and walking or cycling trails look their best. Summer can get hot and busy closer to the beaches, but the centre of Cabrera de Mar itself, a few kilometres inland, keeps a quiet, local feel throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the town hall? It is an active administrative building, so access is limited to the areas serving residents during office hours; it is not set up as a museum open to tourists.

How long did the building take to complete? The design dates from 1903, but construction was delayed for decades and only took place between 1928 and 1930.

What's the best way to get there without a car? Take the Rodalies train to the nearest station in Vilassar de Mar, then continue on foot or by local bus into the centre of Cabrera de Mar.

Are there other sights worth visiting nearby? Yes — the Ca l'Arnau and Turó d'en Boscà archaeological sites and the vineyards of the Alella wine appellation are all close to the town centre.