Can Xala

Can Xala is a former industrial and residential complex in El Masnou, a Catalan coastal town on the Mediterranean in the Maresme region, sitting close to the railway line that runs along the shore. Its name comes from the nickname of the Estapé family — "Xala" — whose factory shaped the town's economy and skyline for decades.

Where does the name Can Xala come from?

The story begins in 1841, when Josep Sensat founded a sailcloth factory here, one of the first in Catalonia to adopt the steam engine. In 1883, as sailing ships declined, the business was absorbed by a rival factory belonging to the Estapé family, founded around 1851 by Gerard Estapé and later run by his son Pau Estapé i Maristany. It was this family nickname, "Xala," that gave its name to the whole site — both the factory and the nearby residence.

What was actually made here?

The factory covered the full production cycle, from spinning raw cotton to finishing sailcloth. As the age of sail gave way to steam, the company diversified into commercial sails, waxed fabrics, military tents, carriage covers, and canvas transmission belts. That diversification let the business survive technological shifts that closed down many similar factories across the region.

What can you actually see there?

The industrial complex is made up of several rectangular blocks with a ground floor plus two or three upper stories, capped with two-sided pitched roofs — one section ends in a distinctive toothed roofline. Repeating arched window openings give the facades the rhythm typical of 19th-century Catalan industrial architecture. The seaward facade stands out with salmon-colored plaster crossed by reddish horizontal stripes, and a tall brick chimney — visible from many points around town — remains one of El Masnou's recognizable landmarks.

Standing apart is the Can Xala house, a rectangular residential building set back from the street, with a ground floor and two stories under a tiled two-sided roof, plus a square tower on its right side rising a further three stories above the ground floor. Both the factory and the house are listed as assets of local cultural interest.

How do you get there?

El Masnou lies roughly 15–20 km northeast of Barcelona and is well served by the Rodalies regional train line — the El Masnou station is within easy walking distance of the historic complex. The town is also reachable by car along the coastal road or via the C-32 motorway.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn bring the mildest weather, when El Masnou's seafront promenade and nearby beaches are far quieter than at the height of summer. The complex is best appreciated from the outside, so it's worth pairing a visit with a walk through the historic town center and along the coastline.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Can Xala? The complex now serves other functions and isn't a museum open daily to visitors — check current access with local tourist information before planning a visit.

Why is the chimney so distinctive? The tall brick factory chimney is a relic of the steam-engine era and works as a landmark visible from many parts of El Masnou.

How does Can Xala connect to the town's maritime history? The original factory made sails and sailcloth, reflecting El Masnou's maritime identity as a town with strong shipbuilding and sailing traditions.

Are there other historic sites nearby? El Masnou has a rich stock of modernist and industrial architecture, so it's worth extending the visit with a walk through the surrounding streets, lined with buildings from the turn of the 20th century.