Can Saragossa

Can Saragossa is a historic masia — a traditional Catalan country house — in Lloret de Mar, now home to the town's museum and cultural heritage centre. The building sits on a low rise that was once surrounded by woodland, tucked away from the bustle of the seafront promenade and offering a quieter stop on any Costa Brava itinerary.

How do you get there?

Can Saragossa stands within Lloret de Mar, in the province of Girona, an easy walk or short ride from the town centre and the main hotel areas. Its precise location sits at coordinates 41.7045 N, 2.84632 E, a point marked on any local tourist map. No special transport is needed to reach it — it pairs naturally with a stroll through the older, quieter part of Lloret, away from the main beach crowds.

What will you see?

The property's documented history goes back to 1317, the earliest known reference to the estate, originally built by the Saragossa family on the crest of a small hill. For centuries the masia functioned as a working farmhouse typical of rural Catalonia, long before the transformation that gave it the look it has today.

The turning point came in the late 19th century. After 1885, when Narcís Saragossa Ametller inherited the property, a major renovation between 1874 and 1902 gave the building its neo-Gothic, palace-like appearance. The working farmhouse became a luxury summer residence, prestigious enough to host guests including Lluís Companys, president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and his family.

Architecturally, Can Saragossa is a neo-Gothic building of three storeys, with a nearly square floor plan and roughly 290 square metres of space. Turrets, pointed arches, and ornate facade details set it clearly apart from the plainer farmhouses typical of the Catalan countryside — this is closer to a small palace than a rural homestead.

Since 1984 the building has belonged to the Lloret de Mar town council and serves as the headquarters of its cultural heritage unit. Today it houses a museum and exhibition space dedicated to the history and culture of Lloret de Mar, including local archaeological finds and art collections. The building and its grounds also host cultural events, from temporary exhibitions to gatherings tied to the town's cultural calendar.

When should you visit?

Can Saragossa is best visited outside the peak beach season, when Lloret de Mar is calmer and a museum visit doesn't have to compete with a day at the beach. Spring and early autumn work well for combining a visit with short walks around town, thanks to milder temperatures and shorter waits if any queues form. The site also operates through summer, though a morning visit is a good way to avoid the strongest heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Can Saragossa? It is a historic masia in Lloret de Mar, remodelled into a neo-Gothic residence during the 19th century and operating since 1984 as the town's museum and cultural centre.

How old is the property? The earliest written record of Can Saragossa dates to 1317, though the palace-like appearance visitors see today comes from a renovation carried out at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

What can you see inside? The interior houses exhibitions on the history and culture of Lloret de Mar, including archaeological finds and art collections, alongside space used for cultural events.

Is it worth combining with a walk around town? Yes — Can Saragossa sits close to central Lloret de Mar, making it easy to fold into a walk through the town's older quarter, away from the main beach and promenade.