Can Bartomeu (Cabrera de Mar)

Can Bartomeu is a historic masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) in Cabrera de Mar, a small coastal town in the Maresme district just north of Barcelona. Standing on Camí de Can Segarra at the edge of town, it is listed in Catalonia's inventory of architectural heritage.

What makes Can Bartomeu worth a stop?

The building visible today dates largely from the 17th century — a stone lintel above the entrance is carved with the year 1662. Yet parts of the structure are older still: the surviving Gothic-style windows are dated to the late 15th century, hinting at a longer history than the doorway inscription alone suggests. The main portal stands out for its carved stone archway, a hallmark of Maresme farmhouse architecture.

The house grew in stages over the centuries. A new wing was added in 1779, evidenced by a sundial still visible on the facade. The balcony was added in the 19th century, and a side wing topped with a small watchtower followed much later, in 1942. Walking around the building today means tracing several centuries of local architecture layered onto a single structure.

The house takes its name from the Bartomeu family, whose presence in the area is documented as far back as the 12th century. By the mid-19th century they had become the largest landowners in Cabrera de Mar, holding 58 properties. The building is also known locally as Can Bertomeu or Can Miralles.

How do you get to Can Bartomeu?

Can Bartomeu sits within Cabrera de Mar, a town well connected to Barcelona by the coastal Maresme railway line and the N-II road. The building itself is on Camí de Can Segarra, an easy walk from the town centre, making it a natural stop while exploring the village or the nearby coast.

What's inside today?

After the town council took ownership, the masia was converted into a local cultural hub. It now houses the offices of several community associations along with Ràdio Cabrera, the town's local radio station. The former wine cellar has been turned into a museum-style room used for cultural events and concerts, so the building functions as a living community space rather than a monument seen only from the outside.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the building doubles as a cultural centre, it's worth checking the local events calendar before visiting — the old cellar room regularly hosts concerts and gatherings that can turn a simple walk-by into something more. Outside of scheduled events, the exterior can be admired year-round, and afternoon light works particularly well for photographing the carved portal and the Gothic windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Can Bartomeu? A historic 17th-century masia (with elements dating to the late 15th century) in Cabrera de Mar, now serving as the town's cultural centre.

Can visitors go inside? Yes. The building is in public use, housing local associations, a community radio station, and an events room in the former cellar.

Where does the name Can Bartomeu come from? From the Bartomeu family, documented in the area since the 12th century and the largest landowners in Cabrera de Mar by the 19th century. The house is also known as Can Bertomeu or Can Miralles.

How do you get to Can Bartomeu? It's located on Camí de Can Segarra in Cabrera de Mar, reachable from Barcelona by the Maresme coastal railway or via the N-II road.