Can Pau Cirès

Can Pau Cirès is a historic farmhouse (masia) in Premià de Dalt, a small inland town in the Maresme comarca, north of Barcelona. The name follows the traditional Catalan practice of naming a farm estate after its owner — in this case Pau Cirés, whose family is documented as working this land since at least the 18th century. Today the name survives mainly in local toponymy, marking a street and a nearby torrent (seasonal streambed), and the spot makes a rewarding stop for anyone tracing the rural history of the Maresme away from the coastal crowds.

Where does the name Can Pau Cirès come from?

In Catalan villages, every farm (masia) was traditionally named after its owner, prefixed with "Can" (a contraction of "Ca'n," meaning "the house of"). The 1728 land register for the area lists a pagès (farmer) surnamed Cirés working a plot of roughly 4 hectares. Later archival references from 1854–1855 confirm that the land and buildings were still associated with the Cirés family, which is how the name Can Pau Cirès became fixed in local memory and on the maps of Premià de Dalt to this day.

How do you get to Can Pau Cirès?

Premià de Dalt sits inland, just above the coastal town of Premià de Mar, roughly 25 km northeast of Barcelona. Driving is the easiest option: take the C-32 motorway toward Premià de Mar, then follow the local road uphill into Premià de Dalt, a journey of a few minutes. By train, the Rodalies R1 line stops at Premià de Mar; from there a bus or taxi covers the short remaining stretch, since Premià de Dalt itself has no train station. The area around the old Can Pau Cirès sits on the edge of town, so plan the last leg on foot or by car, following the street names that echo the old farmhouse.

What will you see nearby?

Premià de Dalt is a quiet, residential town with a character quite different from the busier, tourist-facing coastal strip. Around the former Can Pau Cirès, the landscape still carries traces of the Maresme's agricultural past — terraced fields, stone walls, and scattered outbuildings typical of the region until the mid-20th century. It's a good place to see what the farmland behind the coastal towns looked like before tourism reshaped the Maresme. Pair a walk here with a visit to the historic core of Premià de Dalt, where the old village layout survives, and a short trip down to Premià de Mar for its beach and seafront promenade.

When should you visit?

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit, when temperatures across the Maresme are mild and the surrounding hills are green. Summer brings heat and heavier crowds along the coast, though inland Premià de Dalt stays noticeably calmer than the beach resorts. Winter is still pleasant for walking, and lighter tourist traffic makes it easy to explore the area at leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Can Pau Cirès as a tourist attraction? It isn't an official sight with set visiting hours — it's better understood as a historic place name woven into the landscape of Premià de Dalt, worth a look while exploring the town.

Where does the name Can Pau Cirès come from? From the historic owner of the farmstead, Pau Cirés, whose family is documented in the area from the 18th century onward.

What's the fastest way there from Barcelona? By car via the C-32 motorway toward Premià de Mar, then the local road up to Premià de Dalt — about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

What else is worth combining with a visit here? A walk through the historic centre of Premià de Dalt and a stop at the beach and promenade in neighbouring Premià de Mar.