Can Mari (Tiana)

Can Marí is a historic masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) in Tiana, a town in the Maresme region just inland from the coast, roughly 15-18 km northeast of Barcelona. The building bridges a medieval-era land grant, Renaissance-period construction, and a distinctly modern role: it now forms part of the local casino complex, making it one of the rare rural manor houses still woven into everyday community life rather than left as a museum piece.

Where does the name come from?

The Marí name is documented as early as 23 November 1100, appearing in the consecration deed of Tiana's parish church — one of the oldest surviving records tied to the area. When the Marí line died out, the estate passed by marriage to the Dusay family. The connection mattered enough that in 1789 the first Marquis of Monistrol, Francesc Dusay i Marí, had royal notary Salvador Carreras formally reproduce the original 1100 deed, specifically to prove how far back the Marí surname went. That deliberate act of preservation is why a rural property like this has such a well-documented paper trail stretching back nearly a millennium.

What will you see at Can Marí?

The building as it stands today dates from the 16th-17th centuries and follows the Renaissance style typical of prosperous farmhouses in the Maresme region. Look out for:

• A "portal adovellat" — a stone entrance doorway built from wedge-cut voussoir blocks, a hallmark of Catalan rural architecture from this period.
• A Renaissance window carved with the family coat of arms, held up by two sculpted lions — the single most eye-catching detail, and a clear marker of the original owners' wealth and status.
• Corbels and small capitals, carved supporting brackets set around the window and portal openings, adding texture without overwhelming the facade.

The masia stands at Carrer Edith Llaurador, 6, and has been sympathetically restored in modern times as part of its integration into the grounds of Tiana's casino, a community institution founded in 1910 by thirty-five founding members. Thanks to that pairing, the old family seat hasn't been mothballed — it still functions as a gathering point for the town.

How do you get to Can Marí?

Tiana sits in the Maresme region, about 15-18 km from central Barcelona, set back from the coast rather than directly on it (unlike neighboring seaside towns such as Montgat or El Masnou). Driving is the most straightforward option, typically 25-30 minutes from Barcelona. Alternatively, take a train or bus to one of the nearby coastal towns and continue to central Tiana by local bus or taxi — from there, Can Marí is an easy walk.

When is the best time to visit?

Since Can Marí now operates as part of the casino complex, it's worth checking opening hours or scheduled events beforehand, as the building is sometimes used for gatherings and functions rather than open as a straightforward sightseeing stop. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for exploring the Maresme generally, with mild weather ideal for walking the area, while a summer visit pairs naturally with a stop at the nearby coastal beaches.

Frequently asked questions

What is Can Marí? It's a historic masia (Catalan farmhouse) in Tiana with documented history going back to the year 1100 and Renaissance-era architecture from the 16th-17th centuries.

Can you visit the inside of the building? The building is part of the local casino's grounds, so access depends on current opening hours and any events taking place there — it's worth checking locally or contacting ahead.

What's the most notable architectural feature? The Renaissance window carved with the family coat of arms, supported by two sculpted lions, along with the stone "portal adovellat" entrance, are the building's standout details.

How far is Can Marí from Barcelona? Tiana lies about 15-18 km from central Barcelona, roughly a 25-30 minute drive.