Casino del Masnou

Casino del Masnou is a historic cultural and social centre in the heart of El Masnou, a seaside town in the Maresme region north of Barcelona. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with gambling — in Catalonia, a "casino" is a traditional private association where residents gather for civic, cultural, sporting and recreational life. The building, protected as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (Bé Cultural d'Interès Local), blends medieval architecture with Catalan Modernisme.

What is Casino del Masnou?

The association was founded in 1875 as a private, non-profit entity dedicated to promoting civic, cultural, recreational and sporting activities for the people of El Masnou and neighbouring towns. It remains active today, still hosting events and activities for the local community more than a century later.

What can you see there?

The core of the complex is Can Fontanills, a Gothic country house (masia) dating back to the 13th century, once owned by Miquel Amat i Lluch. At the turn of the 20th century, under the patronage of Pere Grau Maristany, Count of Lavern, two Modernista wings were added to the old farmhouse. The architect Bonaventura Bassegoda i Amigó designed the new sections, built between 1902 and 1904. A grand rotunda, along with game rooms and a billiard room, opened in 1903.

The result of these successive additions is a strikingly mixed architecture, combining Gothic, neoclassical, modernist and eclectic elements within a single complex. The grounds include several buildings and a large garden with sports courts, making the Casino both a heritage landmark and a working recreational centre.

How do you get to Casino del Masnou?

The Casino sits in the centre of El Masnou, a Maresme coastal town well connected to Barcelona by regional rail and the coastal road. It stands close to the town's main streets, within walking distance of the seafront promenade, making it easy to combine a look at the building with a stroll along the beach.

When is the best time to visit?

Since Casino del Masnou is a working private association rather than a museum with fixed visiting hours, the building is best appreciated from the outside — its facade and garden are visible from the street at any time. Late afternoon light works best for photographing the Modernista stonework and wrought-iron balconies. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring El Masnou on foot, with milder temperatures than in the height of summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casino del Masnou a gambling casino? No. The name reflects the Catalan tradition of "casinos" — private cultural and social associations that have served as local community hubs since the 19th century, not places for games of chance.

When was the building constructed? The core of the complex, Can Fontanills, dates from the 13th century. The Modernista wings were added between 1902 and 1904, while the association itself has operated since 1875.

Can visitors go inside? Casino del Masnou is an active private association, so access to the interior depends on ongoing events and the organisation's own rules. The facade, garden and exterior architecture can be freely admired from the street.

What is in the garden? The grounds include a large garden with sports courts, complementing the historic ballroom and billiard rooms as part of the association's recreational offer.