Can Jordana

Can Jordana is a Gothic-era masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) standing in Tiana, a small town in the Maresme region roughly 15 km from Barcelona. The building sits on Carrer de Can Jordana, near Camí de l'Alegria, and ranks among the oldest surviving pieces of rural architecture in this corner of Catalonia, with roots tracing back to the 14th century.

What is the history behind this building?

The earliest records of the property date to the 14th century, when it was known as Can Galceran or Can Rovira Galceran, named after the families who owned it at the time. The name Can Jordana only came into use later and has stuck ever since. Archaeologists working near the main building also uncovered remains of a much older settlement: traces of a former pottery kiln (bòbila) and finds dated to the Middle Neolithic, including a burial in a pit covered by a mound of stones. That points to human presence on this land long before the farmhouse itself was ever built.

What will you see when you visit Can Jordana?

The building follows a late Gothic style with a basilical layout — the central section rises noticeably above the two side wings, topped by a two-slope gable roof set perpendicular to the façade. The original semicircular arched doorway survives, built from large hewn stone blocks, along with a window that retains carved capitals at impost height. Over the centuries the farmhouse underwent several changes: a wing was added on the left side, some windows were enlarged, and Gothic lintels were removed in places during later renovation work. Despite these alterations, the overall silhouette still reads clearly as medieval.

How do you get to Can Jordana?

Tiana is an easy trip from Barcelona, usually 20–25 minutes by car along the highway or the local roads that wind through the Maresme hills. The masia stands on Carrer de Can Jordana, close to Camí de l'Alegria, which makes it straightforward to find once you're in town. Because the property is privately owned and still used as a residence, visits are limited to viewing the façade and architectural details from the outside — a short walk around the building is enough to take in the portal and the overall proportions of the structure.

When is the best time to come?

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking and photography, when Maresme temperatures are mild and the morning or late-afternoon light brings out the texture of the stonework. In summer, aim for the earlier hours of the day to avoid the heat. Can Jordana pairs well with a broader stroll through Tiana, since the town holds several other buildings listed in its local heritage catalogue, making a short architectural walking route an easy way to spend part of a day.

Why does Can Jordana matter?

The building is listed in Tiana's Catalogue of Architectural and Environmental Heritage, registered on 17 July 2002 as an asset of local cultural interest (BCIL), with inventory code IPA 9334-I. That status confirms its historical value, even though it remains privately owned and is not set up as a formal visitor attraction. For anyone interested in medieval architecture or the history of the Maresme region, it's still a worthwhile stop — evidence of continuous settlement on this ground stretching from the Neolithic period right up to today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Can Jordana? No. The building is privately owned and used as a residence, so visits are limited to viewing the exterior and architectural details from the street.

How long does it take to get there from Barcelona? About 20–25 minutes by car, depending on the route and traffic on the Maresme roads.

What's the most notable architectural feature? The original semicircular doorway built from large hewn stone blocks, and a window with carved capitals at impost height — both survivals from the original Gothic-era construction.

Was anything else found near the farmhouse? Yes. Near the site of the former Can Jordana pottery kiln, archaeologists found evidence of Middle Neolithic settlement, including a burial covered by a stone mound, showing the land was inhabited long before the current building existed.