cal Notari

Cal Notari is a masia — a traditional Catalan country house — located in Vilassar de Dalt, in the Maresme comarca of Catalonia. It sits at coordinates 41.51908, 2.35769, within the agricultural landscape typical of this coastal region's interior, a few kilometers from the Mediterranean shoreline.

Where exactly is cal Notari?

Vilassar de Dalt lies inland, unlike its coastal neighbor Vilassar de Mar. The whole Maresme area forms a belt of low hills between the mountains and the coast, historically dotted with scattered farmhouses — masies like this one. Cal Notari fits squarely into that setting: a stone farm building surrounded by cultivated fields, characteristic of the region's rural architecture.

What is a masia, and why is it worth seeing?

A masia is the classic form of Catalan rural building — usually a stone house with thick walls, a gabled roof, and adjoining farm structures, built anywhere from the medieval period through the 19th century as the working center of an agricultural estate. Masies are among the most recognizable features of the Catalan countryside and stand as evidence of the region's centuries-long farming tradition. For a visitor exploring Maresme, buildings like this offer a reference point for understanding rural life here before tourism shifted the region's economic weight toward the coast.

What will you see around cal Notari?

The masia itself sits among fields and small local roads — this is a destination for travelers who prefer quiet rural scenery over crowded beaches. In Vilassar de Dalt's town center, visitors can explore a historic core typical of Catalan towns this size, while within a few kilometers there are other masies scattered across Maresme, as well as coastal towns such as Vilassar de Mar and Mataró, the comarca's capital.

How do you get to cal Notari?

The easiest way from Barcelona is the Rodalies R1 train line, which stops at Vilassar de Dalt station — the trip takes about 40–45 minutes. From the station, reaching the masia's surroundings requires local transport, a taxi, or walking, depending on its exact position within the agricultural land around the town. Drivers can take the C-32 motorway or the N-II national road, exiting toward Vilassar de Dalt.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best times to explore the area, with mild temperatures and green fields around the masia. Summer tends to be hot and humid, typical of the Maresme coast, while winter is mild, though shorter days limit time for walking the surrounding countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside cal Notari? Most masies in Maresme are private farms or residences rather than museums, so visits are generally limited to viewing the building from outside during a walk through the area.

How far is cal Notari from Barcelona? Vilassar de Dalt sits about 30 km northeast of Barcelona, making it an easy day trip thanks to good train connections.

What does the word "masia" actually mean? It's the Catalan term for a traditional rural farmhouse, typically built of stone with a gabled roof, serving as the center of an agricultural estate — equivalent to the Spanish "masía" or the Provençal "mas."

What else is worth seeing in and around Vilassar de Dalt? The town's historic center, other scattered masies across the Maresme countryside, and coastal towns such as Vilassar de Mar, just a few kilometers toward the shore.