Casa Pol – a fortified manor in Teià

Casa Pol is a medieval fortified residence in Teià, a small town in the Maresme region on the Catalan coast near Barcelona. The building is listed in Catalonia's inventory of architectural heritage and stands out as one of the better-preserved secular fortified houses in this stretch of Maresme.

How do you get to Casa Pol?

Teià sits a few kilometers inland, between Vilassar de Mar and El Masnou. Driving is by far the easiest option: the C-32 motorway has an exit that leads straight toward the town, and Casa Pol itself sits on its outskirts, surrounded by former vineyard land. There's no train station in Teià, so travelers relying on public transport should take the Barcelona–Mataró coastal rail line to the nearest station and continue by bus or taxi inland. From central Barcelona, the trip typically takes 30 to 40 minutes.

What will you see at Casa Pol?

The house follows a rectangular floor plan under a four-sided roof. Its most striking feature is the wide façade flanked by two square, battlemented towers — a detail that gives the building the silhouette of a small fortress, even though it served a residential rather than a military purpose. Between the towers runs a gallery with sixteen round-arched openings, a later addition that shows how successive owners softened the house's defensive character in favor of a more representative appearance. The façade also preserves a sundial set between two balconies. Just beside the main structure stands a small chapel dating from 1696, built as an integral part of the original estate.

The Pol family and later rebuilding

The earliest recorded building on the site dates to around 1281, commissioned by Ramon Roudors, a citizen of Barcelona. Over the following centuries, ownership passed through marriage and inheritance: in the 15th century the estate went to the Martina family, and later to the Corregó family. A turning point came in 1616, when the property was acquired by the nobleman Lluís Miquel de Pol and his wife, Maria Riera d'Olzinelles i Ferran — it's their family name that the house still carries. The building took its present form after a thorough restoration carried out in 1703 by Carles de Fivaller-Clasquerí i de Torres.

When is the best time to visit?

Casa Pol is privately owned and currently undergoing restoration work, which also includes bringing back the vineyards that once surrounded it — worth keeping in mind, since access to the interior can be limited. Spring and early autumn are the best times to explore the area, when Maresme's temperatures are mild and the grounds around the estate look their most attractive as restoration progresses. Summers here tend to be hot and busy, since the Costa del Maresme beaches draw crowds nearby, so travelers after a quieter visit should aim for weekdays outside the peak holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Casa Pol? It's a historic, formerly fortified residence in Teià, listed in Catalonia's architectural heritage inventory and recognized for its two battlemented towers and arched gallery.

Who built Casa Pol? The original building dates to around 1281, commissioned by Ramon Roudors. Its current appearance comes from a restoration ordered in 1703 by Carles de Fivaller-Clasquerí.

Where does the name "Pol" come from? From the family of Lluís Miquel de Pol, who acquired the estate in 1616 and permanently attached their name to it.

Can you visit the inside of Casa Pol? The building is privately owned and currently under restoration, so interior access is often limited — it's worth checking current conditions before visiting, while the exterior and chapel can be admired from outside.