Can Fàbregas

Can Fàbregas is a Gothic-era farmhouse (masia) in Tiana, a small town in the Maresme region just northeast of Barcelona. The building sits in the Nucli de l'Alegria area and belongs to a wider group of historic country houses that have shaped Tiana's landscape and identity for centuries.

What is this place?

Can Fàbregas is one of the stone country houses typical of Catalonia's Maresme region — buildings that since medieval times served as working farms and residences for prominent local families. Its Gothic features point to old origins, though like most masies in Tiana, the structure has been altered and adapted many times over the centuries to suit successive owners.

The property has recently gone through a major transformation. A Dutch couple, Renny and Leon Ramakers, settled in Tiana and launched a project to give the building new life under the name Can Reon. Their goal is to turn it into a cultural hub for the wider Barcelona metropolitan area, hosting concerts, dance performances, theatre and art exhibitions. That shift turns a once-private rural estate into an active cultural venue for the region.

It's also worth knowing that Tiana has another building with a similar name, Can Fàbregas de Baix, a separate Gothic structure — a detail that can easily cause confusion when researching the two properties.

How do you get there?

Tiana sits in the Maresme district, less than 20 kilometres northeast of central Barcelona, right next to Montgat and Alella. Driving is the simplest option, with good access via the C-32 motorway and the B-511 road. Without a car, take a Rodalies R1 train to Montgat or Montgat Nord station, then continue by local bus or taxi — the remaining distance is short. The masia itself lies within Nucli de l'Alegria, one of the town's historic quarters, so it's worth checking the exact address and current opening arrangements beforehand, especially since the site now operates as Can Reon and hosts cultural events.

What will you see there?

The building itself is a good example of Catalan rural architecture: thick stone walls, roofing typical of the region, and a layout that reflects its origins as a working farmhouse. If the property is functioning as a cultural venue during your visit, it's worth checking the events calendar beforehand — a concert, performance or exhibition can be a good reason to plan your trip around a specific date. The surrounding town of Tiana, tucked into the hills of the Maresme, rewards a slow walk on its own merits — historic masies, narrow lanes and distant sea views give it the unhurried feel typical of this part of the Catalan coast.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn bring the mildest weather and the greenest hillsides, making them the best times to explore. Summer can get hot and busy given Tiana's proximity to the coast, while winters in the Maresme stay relatively mild by European standards, so the area is walkable year-round. If you're interested in the cultural programme at Can Reon, check the events calendar in advance, since performances and exhibitions don't run continuously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Can Fàbregas? The building is being transformed into a cultural venue called Can Reon, so access depends on the current events schedule — check ahead of your visit.

What's the difference between Can Fàbregas and Can Fàbregas de Baix? They are two separate Gothic buildings in Tiana with similarly sounding names, located in different parts of town — easy to confuse but distinct properties.

What's the fastest way to get there from Barcelona? By car, the drive takes about 25–30 minutes via the C-32 motorway; alternatively, take the Rodalies R1 train to Montgat and continue by local transport.

Is there anything else to see in Tiana besides this masia? Yes — the town has several other historic masies and a picturesque layout typical of the Maresme, worth exploring on the same visit.