Can Nolis

Can Nolis is an 18th-century masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) in Tiana, a small town in the Maresme region a short distance northeast of Barcelona. Listed as a local cultural heritage asset (BCIL), it is one of the more distinctive examples of rural architecture in this corner of Catalonia.

How do you get to Can Nolis?

The house stands on Carrer d'Edith Llaurador 27-29, at roughly 156 metres above sea level, in a quiet residential part of Tiana. The easiest way there is by car from Barcelona, about 20 km away, or by taking the Rodalies R1 train line to Montgat station and continuing to central Tiana by local bus. Tiana itself sits slightly off the main Costa del Maresme tourist routes, so it pairs well with a visit to the nearby Cartoixa de Montalegre monastery or a stroll through Tiana's old town. Reaching the building itself requires no special effort — it's an easy, flat walk from the town centre.

What will you see there?

Can Nolis follows the classic layout of a Catalan masia: a ground floor, two upper storeys, and a dual-pitched roof. The main volume is flanked by substantial annexes with arcaded galleries running along the upper level of the side wings. A carved stone doorway survives at the entrance, along with an original, fully tiled kitchen — one of the most striking interior details, though the interior itself cannot be visited, since the house remains private property in residential use. Visitors take it in from the street, which is enough to appreciate the proportions of the building and the detail of its façade.

Close by, look for the Font de Can Nolis, an old fountain set into a stone wall and topped with a small cross. It's a modest but telling piece of local memory — a reminder of how central water sources once were to farm life across the Catalan countryside.

The Nolis family history

The building dates to the 18th century, though it was originally known as Can Monràs, after the family that first owned it. In the late 19th century the property was bought by Joan Nolis, a Barcelona businessman, whose name it has carried ever since. In 1906 he passed it on to his sons, who carried out a substantial renovation — some of the work is dated as early as 1900. It was this renovation that gave the house much of its current form, including an upper floor added during the remodelling.

When should you visit?

Since Can Nolis is seen from the outside only, almost any time of year works — weather matters more than season. Spring and early autumn bring Tiana's mild Mediterranean climate without the summer heat, making it easy to combine a look at the house with a walk through the rest of the area. In summer, aim for morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Can Nolis? No. The building is a private residence, so visits are limited to viewing the façade and surroundings from the street.

What exactly is a masia? A masia is the traditional type of Catalan country house, combining living quarters and farm functions, common across rural Catalonia from the medieval period through the 19th century.

Where does the name Can Nolis come from? From the Nolis family, who bought the property in the late 19th century from its previous owners, the Monràs family — before that, the house was known as Can Monràs.

What else is worth seeing in Tiana? Nearby you'll find the Font de Can Nolis fountain and several other historic masies listed in the local heritage inventory, as well as the Cartoixa de Montalegre monastery a little further into the valley.