Castell de Can Jaumar

Castell de Can Jaumar is a castle-styled mansion in Cabrils, a small town in the Maresme region roughly 30 km northeast of Barcelona. Despite its medieval appearance, the building only took its current form in 1923, rising on the site of the old Can Rafart farmhouse, first documented back in 1229.

Where did this building come from?

The plot's history stretches back to the 13th century, when it belonged to the Rafart family of local farmers. In 1835 the property passed to Joaquim de Jaumar and from then on was known as Torre Jaumar. Its real transformation came in 1923, when Manuel de Jaumar i de Bofarull commissioned the conversion of the earlier tower into a grand, castle-like residence. The project was entrusted to Eugenio Pedro Cendoya, a noucentista architect also responsible for the National Palace on Montjuïc in Barcelona — one of the city's best-known landmarks.

What will you actually see?

Can Jaumar is a textbook example of historicism, a style that freely borrowed from medieval and Renaissance architecture and reassembled the elements into something new and decorative. The facade features crenellated towers, machicolations (projecting openings once used for defense), bifora-style windows split by a central column, and heraldic shields — details that give the building the look of a noble stronghold, even though it never served any military purpose. What stands out is the contrast between the fortress-like massing and the ornamental detailing typical of the early 20th century.

Today the building stands abandoned and in poor structural condition, which is obvious even from the outside. The grounds are only partly accessible, so in practice a visit means admiring the facade and surroundings — the interior is closed to the public.

How do you get to Castell de Can Jaumar?

Cabrils sits in the heart of Maresme, between Barcelona and Mataró. Driving is the most convenient option, since the town connects easily to the C-32 motorway. Alternatively, take a train to Vilassar de Mar or Mataró and continue by taxi or local bus, as Cabrils itself has no train station. The castle sits away from the town center, in a quiet, green setting typical of the area.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are ideal, when Maresme's temperatures are mild and the surrounding greenery looks its best. Summer can get hot and crowded given the region's proximity to the coast, while in winter some of the vegetation loses its color. Since visits are limited to viewing the exterior, aim for morning or late afternoon light for the best photos of the facade.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Castell de Can Jaumar? No, the building is abandoned and closed to visitors on the inside. You can view it from the outside and take in the facade's architecture.

Is it an actual medieval castle? No — despite the castle-like look, the building dates only to 1923, when an earlier tower was rebuilt in a historicist style evoking the Middle Ages.

Who designed the building? The 1923 project was designed by Eugenio Pedro Cendoya, an architect also known for the National Palace on Montjuïc in Barcelona.

What's the best way to reach Cabrils? Driving via the C-32 motorway is most convenient; alternatively, take a train to Vilassar de Mar or Mataró and continue by local transport, since Cabrils has no train station of its own.