Can Claresvalls

Can Claresvalls is a historic masia (Catalan country estate) standing above Alella, in the Maresme region, a short drive northeast of Barcelona. The farmhouse sits on rising ground surrounded by vineyards, part of a cluster of old rural estates — locally called "cases" — that have shaped the town's landscape for centuries.

Where does the name come from?

The property's story predates its current name. Alella's parish archive, in a ledger known as "De Redditibus," records the estate as "La Torra" as early as 1292. Ownership passed through several hands over the following centuries: by 1469 it belonged to Guillem de Pujades, a citizen of Barcelona. The turning point came in 1648, when Tomàs Llucià sold the estate to his brother-in-law, Lluís Clarisvalls — the man whose surname gave the property its lasting name, Can Claresvalls.

What history sits behind these walls?

The estate passed to Lluís's son, Joan Clarisvalls. Joan's brothers, Lluís and Jeroni, took part in one of Catalonia's defining conflicts: in 1714, during the War of the Spanish Succession, they served as captains in the Coronel·la battalions defending Barcelona against the forces of Philip V — a siege that ended in the city's fall and the abolition of Catalan self-government, still a key reference point in local history.

Ownership changed again in 1780, when Joan's son Jeroni Clarisvalls sold the property to Esteve Guàrdia of Barcelona. On Guàrdia's death it passed to his son Ignasi, who split the estate — keeping the main house and adjoining fields while selling off the rest. In the following decades Can Claresvalls was absorbed into the neighboring Cal Marquès estate and became its tenant farm, losing its status as an independent property.

How do you get there, and what else is nearby?

Alella is roughly 20 minutes from central Barcelona by car, or reachable by the R1 commuter rail line to nearby Masnou, with local connections onward — an easy day-trip destination. Can Claresvalls belongs to the same rural heritage trail as Alella's other historic houses, including Can Magarola, Can Casals, and Can Coll. The town is also known for its vineyards and its Alella DO wine, so a walk through the surrounding vines pairs naturally with a visit.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the mildest weather and the most scenic vineyard views — green in spring, active with harvest in autumn. Summer heat can make walking the hillsides around town less comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of Can Claresvalls? The property is privately owned and still functions as a working farm, so it isn't open as a museum — visits are best limited to viewing the exterior and walking the surrounding countryside.

Where does the name "Can Claresvalls" come from? From Lluís Clarisvalls, who acquired the estate in 1648 from his brother-in-law Tomàs Llucià. In Catalan naming tradition, the prefix "Can" simply means "the house of."

How do I reach Alella from Barcelona? By car it takes about 20 minutes; by train, take the R1 line to Masnou and continue by local bus or taxi into central Alella.

What else is worth seeing in Alella besides Can Claresvalls? Pair the visit with the town's other historic country houses and a wine tasting at one of the local Alella DO vineyards.