Can Guitard de la Riera

Can Guitard de la Riera is a historic masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) standing on the southern edge of Terrassa, between the Riera del Palau stream and the Barcelona-Vallès FGC railway line. Listed as an asset of local cultural interest, the building is one of the more rewarding stops for anyone exploring the rural fringes of the city.

What is the history behind this place?

The site's story stretches back to the 13th century: the earliest documented reference dates to 1239, when the estate was known as Mas Molins (or dels Molins), a name likely tied to mills that once operated along the nearby watercourse. The Guitard surname enters the historical record in the 14th century, while the property took on its current name in the 17th century. This long timeline makes the farmhouse a living record of the agricultural landscape that shaped Terrassa and the wider Vallès Occidental region for centuries.

What will you see on site?

The masia follows a rectangular plan typical of Catalan rural architecture, rising through a ground floor, a first floor and an attic beneath a two-sloped roof. The south-facing main façade sits perpendicular to the roofline and keeps an almost symmetrical layout. At ground level, look for a lowered-arch entrance portal and a barred window; the floor above is marked by two wrought-iron balconies flanking a pair of smaller, more modern windows.

Around the main structure survives a "barri," an enclosed courtyard-like space that once shielded the entrance — a common defensive feature of older Catalan farmsteads. A small bell tower topped with a weathervane crowns the roof ridge. Look closely and you'll also spot a weathered, partly damaged sundial on the façade, along with ceramic tiles bearing religious inscriptions. In front of what used to be the entrance garden stands a romantic-style fountain, and nearby you can still see the large water basins once used for daily farm work.

How do you get there?

Can Guitard de la Riera sits along the Anella Verda, Terrassa's green ring of walking and cycling paths that circles the city. The easiest way to reach it is on foot or by bike, following the route alongside the Riera del Palau. The path is well signposted and links up with several other natural and historic landmarks around the city's green belt, so a visit here fits naturally into a longer outdoor walk or ride.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the riverside route, with the vegetation around the farmhouse at its most scenic. In summer, an early morning visit helps you avoid the heat typical of the region's Mediterranean climate. Since this is an open-air, outdoor stop rather than an indoor attraction, it's worth checking the weather forecast before setting out on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Can Guitard de la Riera? It's a historic masia, or traditional Catalan farmhouse, located on the southern edge of Terrassa and protected as an asset of local cultural interest.

How old is the building? The estate is first documented in 1239, though its current name and much of the surviving architecture date from between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Can you go inside the farmhouse? The building is a heritage site with private or restricted access, so most visits are limited to viewing the façade and surrounding grounds from the outside while walking the Anella Verda trail.

What else is there to see nearby? The Anella Verda route that passes the farmhouse connects to other natural and historic sites around Terrassa, making it easy to combine the visit with a longer walk or bike ride along the Riera del Palau.