Can Verboom

Can Verboom is a historic masia (traditional Catalan country house) in Premià de Dalt, a small town in the Maresme region, a short distance northeast of Barcelona. It stands on Plaça Jordi Pujol i Soley, right in the heart of the town, and ranks among the area's most distinctive landmarks.

What will you see?

The oldest section of Can Verboom dates back to the medieval period. Its most striking feature is a five-story tower with an east-facing façade, entered through an arched stone portal. Flanking the portal are Gothic windows — a central rose-shaped opening and two carved conopial windows on either side. Historical records show this part of the building was originally referred to as "Can Partellà."

During the 18th century, the estate belonged to Pròsper Werboom, a general and military engineer serving King Philip V. Werboom designed Barcelona's Citadella fortress and, for a time, held the post of Captain General of Catalonia. Under his ownership, locals nicknamed the property "Can Borbon." He held the estate for roughly eight years before selling it in 1744 to a Barcelona bookseller, Francesc Ribas.

The building's next major transformation came in 1882, when Joan Grasses acquired the property. He added a new wing on the south side, set at a right angle to the older structure, giving the complex the layered shape it has today. This wing includes a clock tower and an ornate Baroque entrance decorated with a coat of arms bearing the initials "J G." The façades throughout the complex also display sgraffito decoration — geometric patterns etched in black and red, characteristic of rural Catalan architecture from that era.

Can Verboom is now privately owned and used as a residence, so the interior is closed to visitors. The exterior, however, can be freely admired from the surrounding plaza and streets.

The adjoining Plaça Jordi Pujol i Soley itself was created in 2006 as a new green space in the town center. It features a sculpture honoring Jordi Pujol, former president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, created by local artist Xavier Martos. Beneath the square lies an underground water reservoir that supplies both Premià de Dalt and the neighboring coastal town of Premià de Mar.

How to get there?

Can Verboom sits in the central part of Premià de Dalt, close to the town's municipal sports facilities, making it easy to find once you arrive. Premià de Dalt lies in the Maresme region, just a few kilometers inland from the coastal town of Premià de Mar. The most convenient approach is by car or by local train to the Premià de Mar station, followed by a short trip inland toward the Maresme hills.

When to visit?

Since a visit here means admiring the building from the outside rather than touring its interior, Can Verboom can be seen at any time of year. It pairs well with a walk around Premià de Dalt's other masies — the town is known for its unusually high concentration of well-preserved country houses, making it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in the region's rural architecture and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the inside of Can Verboom? No. The building is privately owned and used as a residence, so only the exterior can be viewed.

Where does the name Can Verboom come from? From Pròsper Werboom, a general and military engineer under King Philip V, who owned the estate during the 18th century.

What is the oldest part of the building? The medieval tower, with its Gothic windows and arched portal facing east.

What sits next to Can Verboom? Plaça Jordi Pujol i Soley, created in 2006, featuring a sculpture of the former Generalitat president.