Can Coll

Can Coll is a historic masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) standing at the corner of Carrer Sant Antoni and Carrer Sant Genís in Vilassar de Dalt, right in the heart of the town's old quarter. The building is listed in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia, confirming its historical value for the local community.

Where does this building come from?

The core of the house dates back to the 17th-18th centuries, and it underwent a major renovation in the 19th century that gave it its current, more elaborate shape. Farmhouses of this kind were built in Vilassar de Dalt as residences for wealthier farming families, and over time they became absorbed into the urban fabric, creating the dense, characteristic layout of the old town visible today.

What will you see standing in front of Can Coll?

The first thing you'll notice is the irregular yet unified shape of the building. Three main sections are covered with gable roofs, their ridges running parallel to the façade — a typical solution for Catalan rural architecture of that period. Attached to them is a fourth, lower side section featuring a ground floor and a covered gallery supported by semicircular arches, topped with a single-pitch roof. The façades of the individual sections don't line up with one another, giving the impression that the house was built in stages — which is indeed the case — yet the whole still reads as one coherent architectural composition. The arcaded gallery is worth a closer look, as it best captures the building's rural yet stately character.

How do you get to Can Coll?

The building sits in the center of Vilassar de Dalt, a town in the Maresme region, roughly 30 km northeast of Barcelona. The easiest way to arrive is by regional train (Rodalies R1) to Vilassar de Dalt station, followed by a short walk of a few minutes to the old town. By car, take the C-32 motorway or the N-II national road and head toward the town center. Given the narrow streets of the old quarter, it's best to park on the outskirts and continue on foot.

When is the best time to visit?

Since Can Coll is a private building viewed mainly from the outside, a visit can be planned at any time of year. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for walking through the old town, avoiding the peak heat of the Catalan summer while still enjoying comfortable conditions for exploring the narrow lanes. It's worth combining the visit with other historic houses in Vilassar de Dalt, which together form a trail through the town's old architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the inside of Can Coll? No, it's a private building — visitors admire it from the outside, taking in the façade and the arcaded gallery.

From what period does the building date? The oldest part was built in the 17th-18th centuries, and the house was renovated in the 19th century, giving it its present appearance.

Is Can Coll legally protected? Yes, it's listed in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia as a site of historical and architectural value.

What's the easiest way to reach Vilassar de Dalt? The most convenient option is the Rodalies R1 train to Vilassar de Dalt station, followed by a short walk to the center, where Can Coll is located.