Can Moreu

Can Moreu is a historic masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) in Cabrera de Mar, a small town on the Maresme coast northeast of Barcelona. Dating from the 16th-17th centuries, it stands among the more notable examples of rural Catalan architecture in the area and is now protected as a local heritage site.

Where exactly is Can Moreu?

The farmhouse sits at Camí de Santa Elena 18, in the Agell area on the outskirts of Cabrera de Mar. It's a quiet, rural setting away from the town centre and the beach, surrounded by the fields and low hills typical of the Maresme landscape. Driving is the easiest way to get there — it's a few minutes from the town centre along local roads. Travellers without a car can take the train to Cabrera de Mar station (on the line from Barcelona) and continue on foot or by taxi, since the building lies beyond the reach of local public transport.

What will you see there?

Can Moreu preserves the classic layout of a Catalan masia: a ground floor and upper storey under a two-sloped roof, a round-arched portal with stone keystones, and rectangular windows framed in cut stone. One of the side facades still holds a Gothic window with a conopial (ogee) arch — a detail that hints at the building's medieval roots despite later remodelling.

The most distinctive feature is the porch added to the upper floor, projecting over the main entrance and supported by two brick columns. This addition dates from the late 19th century, when the house underwent a major restoration overseen by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of the leading figures of Catalan Modernisme, known for landmark work across Barcelona. The property had earlier passed into private hands following the 19th-century disentailment (disamortization) of church-owned land; its new owner, a Mr. Moreu, commissioned the architect to give the old farmhouse a more refined, representative character. From that point Can Moreu stopped functioning as a working farm and became a summer residence instead.

Visits are limited to viewing the building from the outside, as it remains private property and is not regularly open to the public. Even so, the proportions, stonework, and mix of medieval and 19th-century details make it a worthwhile short stop for anyone interested in Catalonia's rural architecture and history.

When is the best time to visit?

Since there's no indoor exhibit and the appeal lies in the exterior architecture, the best time to visit is during daylight hours when the light brings out the stone detailing on the facade — early morning or late afternoon work particularly well. Spring and autumn offer milder conditions for walking the surrounding country lanes than the heat of a Maresme summer. It's worth pairing the visit with a look at other heritage buildings in Cabrera de Mar and a stroll through the town's historic centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the inside of Can Moreu? No, the building is privately owned and not regularly open to visitors. You can view the facades and architectural details from outside.

What makes this masia distinctive? The combination of a medieval Gothic window with a conopial arch and the 19th-century porch on brick columns, added during the restoration led by Puig i Cadafalch.

How do you get to Can Moreu without a car? The nearest train station is Cabrera de Mar; from there you'll need to walk or take a taxi to reach the building, since it sits in the Agell area outside the town centre.

Why is the house called Can Moreu? The name comes from the Moreu family, who bought the property in the 19th century after the disentailment of church lands and commissioned its transformation into a summer residence.