Can Sala

Can Sala is a historic house in Premià de Dalt, a small inland town in the Maresme region just behind Catalonia's coastline. Standing on the road leading toward Premià de Mar, the building — also known as Can Font or Ca la Tecla Sala — has been listed as an asset of local cultural interest (BCIL) since 1991.

What will you see?

The house is a fine example of Noucentisme, the early 20th-century Catalan architectural and artistic movement that favored classicizing forms and restrained elegance as a reaction against the exuberance of Modernisme. The building rises over a ground floor and two upper stories, making it one of the more substantial residences in the area.

Its main draw is the decorative treatment of the facades: bands of esgrafiat (sgraffito) run along the building's principal lines and crown its most important sections. The ornamentation takes the shape of floral garlands, among which bird motifs have survived in remarkably good condition. This decorative layer is what gives the house its distinctly Noucentista character — precise, symmetrical, and rooted in traditional craftsmanship.

A two-slope roof tops the building, finished with a small ornamental pediment, while broad wooden eaves trace the roofline. Windows and doorways are capped with arches, and balconies rest on lintels. The side walls are notably long and pierced by numerous windows, hinting at a spacious interior layout.

The house's name is tied to the Sala family, a connection also reflected in one of its alternative names, Ca la Tecla Sala.

How do you get there?

Can Sala stands at Ctra. de Premià de Mar 2-4 in Premià de Dalt, at roughly 70 meters above sea level. The town sits in the Maresme region, a short distance from the coast and from Premià de Mar, the seaside town connected to it by the very road the house faces. It makes a convenient stop for anyone exploring the inland side of Maresme — a string of small towns stretched between the hills and the sea, northeast of Barcelona.

Since the building is a privately registered heritage house rather than a museum, the best approach is to treat a visit as a walk through the town, viewing the facade from outside alongside other points of interest in Premià de Dalt.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for exploring Maresme's architecture, offering mild temperatures and light that flatters the sgraffito detailing on the facade. Summer brings crowds to the region thanks to nearby beaches, which can make a quiet stroll through smaller towns like Premià de Dalt less relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Can Sala? It is a Noucentista-style house built in Premià de Dalt in the early 20th century, also known as Can Font or Ca la Tecla Sala.

Is the building protected? Yes, Can Sala has been listed as an asset of local cultural interest (BCIL) since 1991 under Catalonia's heritage register.

What makes the house's architecture distinctive? Decorative sgraffito in the form of floral garlands with bird motifs running along the facade, combined with arched windows, lintel-supported balconies, and a two-slope roof with an ornamental pediment.

Can you visit the interior? Available sources do not confirm the building's current use or whether the interior can be visited — the recommended approach is to view the facade as part of a walk through Premià de Dalt.