Can Silva

Can Silva is a late-19th-century eclectic villa on Carrer Rossinyol in Vilassar de Dalt, a small town in the Maresme county, a short drive northeast of Barcelona. The building is privately occupied but legally protected as part of the town's architectural heritage, and it counts among the more distinctive stops for anyone exploring the older streets of the town.

How do you get to Can Silva?

The villa stands at Carrer Rossinyol 26, right in the historic core of Vilassar de Dalt, within easy walking distance of the main square. Driving from Barcelona takes roughly 25–30 minutes; by train, the Rodalies commuter line stops at Vilassar de Dalt station, from where it's about a 10–15 minute uphill walk into the older part of town. The town also works well as an inland detour from the Maresme coastal cycling route.

What will you see there?

Can Silva was originally built as part of the former Can Nielfa estate and stands out for its symmetrical, south-facing main façade. Ground-floor windows are framed by semicircular arches, while the upper floor features pointed, ogival-arched windows grouped in twos and threes and separated by balconies. The building has a rectangular floor plan, two storeys, and a flat roof crowned with a ceramic balustrade and ornamental vases at the corners — a typical flourish of the eclectic style favored by wealthy Catalan families around the turn of the 20th century. A small front garden with a terrace and balustrade sets the house back from the street, making it easy to take in the proportions of the façade even though the property itself is private and closed to visitors.

What is the history behind the building?

The villa was built in the late 19th century by a Portuguese man locally known as Da Silva, whose name the building still carries. Local oral tradition, recorded in the town's heritage catalogue, holds that the house briefly operated as an upscale brothel in the early 20th century — a colorful story that has become part of local lore around Vilassar de Dalt, even if it can't be verified as documented history. Today the building serves as a private residence, is in good structural condition, and its architectural value is protected under the municipality's Special Plan for Architectural and Environmental Heritage (BCIL).

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn bring mild temperatures and flattering light for photographing the façade details of the old town. In summer, mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable, avoiding the midday heat typical of the Maresme coast. Vilassar de Dalt moves at a quieter pace than the beach towns nearby, so it pairs naturally with a stop in neighboring Vilassar de Mar or Mataró.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Can Silva? No — it's a private residence. You can only view it from the street, Carrer Rossinyol.

Where does the name Can Silva come from? It comes from Da Silva, the Portuguese owner who built the villa in the late 19th century on the grounds of the former Can Nielfa estate.

Is the brothel legend historically confirmed? There's no hard documentation for it. It's part of local oral tradition recorded in the municipal heritage catalogue and is best treated as folklore rather than established fact.

How long should you plan for a visit? Viewing the façade itself takes just a few minutes, but pairing it with a walk through the old town of Vilassar de Dalt is a good idea and takes about 1–2 hours.