Casa de Santa Teresa (Vilanova i la Geltrú)

Casa de Santa Teresa is a 19th-century house in Vilanova i la Geltrú, in the Garraf region of Catalonia, standing right next to the Víctor Balaguer Library-Museum. Listed as a local cultural asset, it is one of the town's most distinctive examples of eclectic architecture.

What is this building?

The house was completed in 1889 at the initiative of Víctor Balaguer, the Catalan writer and politician who founded the neighboring museum, to serve as his residence during stays in Vilanova. Its name carries a double meaning: it honors Balaguer's mother, Teresa Cirera, as well as Saint Teresa, whose bust sits above the entrance door. The building was designed by the municipal architect Bonaventura Pollés i Vivó.

When the museum itself ran out of space for its growing collection, Casa de Santa Teresa began functioning as an annex, housing 19th-century furniture and paintings among other pieces. In the first half of 2026 the house underwent a thorough restoration, and it now serves as the museum's new visitor reception space, opening its doors to the public during the summer.

What does the building look like?

The house stands as a freestanding structure surrounded by an extensive garden, right beside the museum building. It has a rectangular floor plan comprising a basement, ground floor, a raised main floor, and an upper level topped by a stairwell that rises above the roofline. The façade is nearly symmetrical, combining rectangular windows with low arches, round portholes, and projecting bay windows (tribunes). Its most recognizable feature is a pattern of horizontal red-and-white stripes that mimic exposed brickwork — a detail that sets it apart from the surrounding buildings.

Inside, the ceiling of the main hall, painted by Bonaventura Casas, is worth a look — an artistic touch that complements the historical furniture and paintings on display.

How do you get there?

Casa de Santa Teresa sits in the center of Vilanova i la Geltrú, directly adjacent to the Víctor Balaguer Library-Museum, making it a natural stop on any walk through town. The easiest way to reach it on foot is from Vilanova i la Geltrú train station or the harbor front, both a short walk of about fifteen minutes away. The town lies on the Garraf coast and is well connected to Barcelona by regional rail.

When should you visit?

The house is open to visitors mainly during the summer, in step with the museum's tourist season, which makes it the best time to plan a stop. Outside summer, it is worth checking the current opening schedule, since access may be limited to specific days or events organized by the museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Casa de Santa Teresa? It is a historic house from 1889, built next to the Víctor Balaguer Library-Museum to house the museum's founder, and today serving as the museum's visitor reception space.

Where does the building's name come from? The name honors both Balaguer's mother, Teresa Cirera, and Saint Teresa, whose bust stands above the entrance.

Who designed the building? It was designed by municipal architect Bonaventura Pollés i Vivó, while the ceiling of the main hall was painted by Bonaventura Casas.

Can you visit the building? Yes. Following a restoration completed in the first half of 2026, the house is open to visitors, mainly in summer, as part of a visit to the Víctor Balaguer Library-Museum.