Can Rodon

Can Rodon de l'Hort is a historic Catalan farmhouse in Cabrera de Mar, a small town in the Maresme region on the coast just north of Barcelona. Today the building operates as a restaurant, but its roots go back to the Middle Ages, and the surrounding land holds traces of settlement dating back more than two thousand years.

What is Can Rodon?

Can Rodon (full name Can Rodon de l'Hort) is a classic masia — the type of rural farmstead house that once anchored agricultural estates across the Maresme countryside. Records place a farmstead on this site as early as 1300, while the building standing today dates mainly from the 16th century. A major renovation followed in 1708, a date still carved into the arched side portal. Because of its historical and architectural value, Can Rodon is listed as a Local Cultural Asset of Interest (Bé Cultural d'Interès Local).

What will you see there?

The house keeps the hallmarks of a traditional Maresme masia: a double-pitched roof, two storeys, and a striking rounded ashlar portal flanked by stone benches — originally a gathering spot for the household and visitors. The façade also features a Gothic window, a clue to the building's earliest construction phase. The exterior — façade and portal in particular — is where the architectural interest is concentrated, so it's worth a slow look before heading inside.

Less visible but equally significant is the site's archaeological layer. In the late 19th century, researcher Juan Rubio de la Serna uncovered Iberian-era tombs near Can Rodon de l'Hort. The site forms part of Ilturo, a Hispano-Roman settlement that was active from the mid-2nd century BC through the 1st century BC. For visitors with an interest in archaeology, Cabrera de Mar is more than a pretty seaside village — it's a fragment of a much older settlement landscape from before Roman times.

How do you get there?

Can Rodon sits in Cabrera de Mar, a small town in Maresme between Barcelona and Mataró. Driving along the coastal roads (C-32 or N-II) is the most convenient option, taking around 30–40 minutes from central Barcelona. Alternatively, take the Rodalies regional train (R1 line) to Cabrera de Mar-Vilassar de Mar station, from where the village centre and the farmhouse are a short walk or taxi ride away. The site's coordinates are 41.52682 N, 2.39265 E, handy for GPS navigation.

When should you visit?

Maresme has a mild Mediterranean climate, so Can Rodon and its surroundings can be visited comfortably throughout the year. Spring and early autumn are ideal for walking through the village and taking in the historic architecture without the peak heat of a Catalan summer. In summer, it's easy to pair a visit with time at the nearby Maresme beaches, saving a stop at the farmhouse for a meal during the cooler hours of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Can Rodon de l'Hort? It's a historic Catalan masia (a traditional farmstead house) in Cabrera de Mar, with parts of the building dating to the 16th century and a documented renovation from 1708. It currently operates as a restaurant.

Can you visit the inside of the building? Since the building is a working restaurant, access to the interior is typically tied to dining there. The façade, portal, and grounds can be viewed from outside at any time.

What's the archaeological significance of the site? Iberian-era tombs were found near Can Rodon de l'Hort, and the location is linked to Ilturo, a Hispano-Roman settlement active from roughly the 2nd to 1st century BC.

What's the best way to reach Cabrera de Mar? By car along the coastal road from Barcelona (about 30–40 minutes), or by Rodalies regional train (R1 line) to Cabrera de Mar-Vilassar de Mar station.