Can Sanahuja

Can Sanahuja is a heritage house in El Masnou, a seaside town on the Maresme coast not far from Barcelona. Also known as Casa Eulàlia Matas, the building is listed in Catalonia's architectural heritage inventory and protected as an asset of local interest (Bé d'Interès Local, catalogue number BCIL 3612-I).

How to get there?

El Masnou sits roughly 15 kilometres northeast of Barcelona along the Maresme shoreline. The easiest way in is the Rodalies commuter train (line R1), which links the town directly to central Barcelona in under half an hour — the station is a short walk from the old town. By car, the C-32 motorway or the older N-II road both run parallel to the coast and drop you close to the centre. Can Sanahuja stands within the town's built-up area, near its historic inland quarter, making it an easy stop while wandering the old streets on foot.

What will you see?

Can Sanahuja is one of the houses recorded in Catalonia's architectural heritage catalogue — its BCIL 3612-I listing means the local council has judged the building worth protecting for its historical or architectural value within the town's streetscape. Since it remains a private residence, visits are limited to viewing the facade and overall shape of the building from the street, much like many other catalogued houses and villas scattered through El Masnou's centre.

El Masnou itself rewards a broader look while you're there. The town grew up around the Maresme's sailing and shipbuilding traditions, and its old quarter and seafront promenade hold a string of buildings from the turn of the 20th century, raised during a period when local trade and craft were flourishing. Walking from the train station toward the beach and the marina (Port Masnou) takes you past both this kind of residential architecture and the town's more modern harbour facilities. Can Sanahuja gives a good reason to step off the seafront promenade and into the streets of the old town.

When to visit?

Spring and early summer are the best times to see El Masnou — the weather suits both a walk through the old quarter and time on the nearby beach, and the town hasn't yet filled up with peak-season crowds. Autumn stays mild and visitor numbers drop noticeably, making it a good stretch for an unhurried look at the historic streets. Since Can Sanahuja is a private building viewed from the outside, there are no opening hours or seasonal access restrictions to plan around.

Frequently asked questions

What is Can Sanahuja? A heritage house in El Masnou, also known as Casa Eulàlia Matas, listed in Catalonia's architectural heritage inventory.

Is the building legally protected? Yes — it is registered as an asset of local interest (Bé d'Interès Local) under catalogue number BCIL 3612-I.

Can visitors go inside? No, it's a private residence. The building can only be viewed from the street.

What's the easiest way to reach El Masnou? The Rodalies commuter train (line R1) from Barcelona is the most convenient option, taking about 25–30 minutes.