Can Boet

Can Boet is an 18th-century farmhouse in Mataró, in the Maresme region, now converted into a center for archaeological and natural heritage. The building sits on a small rise facing the Plaça Laietana roundabout, right next to the Maresme highway, in the neighborhood that shares its name.

What will you see at Can Boet?

The façade still carries neoclassical details added after the original construction, while the overall layout follows the classic pattern of a Catalan masia, with a roof running perpendicular to the front wall — one of the oldest regional variants of rural building design. The property is protected as an asset of local cultural interest and has seen no major alterations over the years, so it retains a clear, historic character.

Today Can Boet houses the Center for Archaeological and Natural Heritage, run by the Mataró Museum. Inside you'll find the interpretation center for the Torre Llauder Roman villa archaeological site — one of the more significant traces of Roman presence on this stretch of coast — along with the Documentation Center of the Montnegre i Corredor Natural Park. Two specialized libraries operate on site: one holding around 3,500 titles on natural sciences, the other roughly 10,000 documents on archaeology and regional history. A Mediterranean garden surrounds the building, showcasing native Maresme vegetation.

How do you get to Can Boet?

The site sits at the southern edge of the Can Boet neighborhood, an easy reach from central Mataró — a town well connected by rail and motorway to Barcelona, less than 30 km to the northeast. The nearest landmarks are the Plaça Laietana roundabout and the Maresme expressway, making the trip straightforward whether you're driving or using local public transport.

Who is this place for?

Can Boet appeals most to visitors interested in Roman archaeology, the history of local settlement, and the natural environment of the Catalan coast — an unusual combination to find under one roof. Fans of rural architecture will appreciate the largely untouched 18th-century farmhouse structure, and families can round out a visit with the garden and the natural-history displays.

When should you visit?

Because the building functions primarily as a documentation and research center rather than a conventional museum, it's worth checking opening hours and exhibit availability before you go — access to parts of the collection is more limited than at a typical daily-open venue. Spring and autumn are pleasant times for a walk through the Mediterranean garden, when temperatures along the Maresme coast are mild.

Frequently asked questions

What is Can Boet? It's an 18th-century farmhouse in Mataró, now serving as a center for archaeological and natural heritage under the local museum.

What can you see inside? The interpretation center for the Roman Torre Llauder site, the Documentation Center of the Montnegre i Corredor Park, and two subject libraries covering archaeology and natural sciences.

Is there a garden on site? Yes, a Mediterranean garden surrounds Can Boet, displaying vegetation typical of the Maresme region.

How do you reach Can Boet from central Mataró? The building stands at the southern end of the Can Boet neighborhood, near the Maresme highway and the Plaça Laietana roundabout, just a few minutes from the town center.