Can Figuerola

Can Figuerola is a medieval Catalan farmhouse (masia) standing at the corner of Sinaí and Judea streets in the Sant Genís dels Agudells neighbourhood of Barcelona, right at the foot of the Collserola hills. It is listed as a local cultural heritage asset and remains one of the few surviving traces of the rural character this part of the city once had.

Where does the name come from?

The building takes its name from Laureà Figuerola, a Catalan jurist and politician who served as finance minister in the provisional Spanish government formed after the 1868 revolution. He is credited with introducing the peseta as Spain's official currency. The property's association with his name eventually made it a local landmark for the whole surrounding area.

What will you see there?

The core of the structure dates back to the 15th century, though it was expanded and altered repeatedly over the following centuries, which explains the mix of architectural styles visible today. The main facade preserves an arched entrance portal and several Gothic windows with decorative frames — the clearest evidence of the building's medieval origins. Beneath the masia lie extensive underground tunnels and passages, originally built to allow escape in the event of an attack, a detail that hints at the turbulent history of the area.

The estate once included substantial farmland, most of which was later built over with apartment blocks as Barcelona expanded toward Collserola. The farmhouse itself survived this transformation because, in the 20th century, it was acquired by the painter Alfredo Palmero de Gregorio (1901–1991), who carried out a thorough restoration and saved the building from disappearing.

What is inside today?

Can Figuerola now serves as the headquarters of the Palmero Art Museum, dedicated to the work of the painter who restored the property. Visitors can view both his artwork and the historic interior of the masia itself, making the site an unusual combination of art gallery and rural architectural landmark within a major city.

How to get there?

Sant Genís dels Agudells is a quiet, mostly residential neighbourhood in northern Barcelona, bordering the Collserola range. The easiest way to reach it is by city bus heading toward the hills, or by car, since the area sits away from the main tourist routes — a plus for travellers looking for a quieter corner of the city.

When to visit?

Given the small scale of the site, it is worth checking the museum's opening hours in advance, as access to the interior may be limited to certain days or require prior arrangement. The neighbourhood itself is most pleasant in spring and autumn, when mild weather makes walks along the nearby Collserola slopes especially rewarding.

Frequently asked questions

Is Can Figuerola open to visitors? Yes, the building houses the Palmero Art Museum, though given its small scale it is best to confirm current opening hours before visiting.

Where does the building's name come from? From Laureà Figuerola, a 19th-century Spanish finance minister who introduced the peseta as the national currency.

How old is the building? The oldest parts date back to the 15th century, though the structure was expanded several times afterward.

What else is worth seeing besides the art exhibition? The architecture itself — the arched portal, Gothic windows, and the underground tunnels once used as an escape route.