Els Frares (Cabrera de Mar)

Els Frares is a historic masia (Catalan rural farmhouse) in Cabrera de Mar, a town in the Maresme region of Catalonia. The building stands in the Agell neighborhood, close to the Santa Elena chapel, and is listed in Catalonia's architectural heritage inventory.

What is Els Frares?

Els Frares is a classic example of a Maresme masia — a rural estate combining living quarters with agricultural functions. The building has a two-sloped roof with its ridge running perpendicular to the façade, and its layout spans a ground floor, a first floor, and an attic. A distinctive feature is the round, arched entrance portal with a coat of arms carved into the central voussoir, flanked by stone benches and a stepped mounting block once used for getting on horseback. Doorways on both floors are framed in carved granite.

Because of this architectural and historical value, the building was granted the status of Cultural Asset of Local Interest (Bé Cultural d'Interès Local) in November 1992.

What is the history behind the building?

The story of Els Frares goes back to the 13th century — the estate is first documented in 1235, when it belonged to the Arnó family, from whom it took its earlier name, ca l'Arnó. In later centuries the property passed into the hands of Benedictine monks, who lived there until the secularization of church property in Spain in 1835. It is from these monks (frares in Catalan) that the building gets the name it still carries today.

After secularization, ownership likely passed to the Gallemí family — a coat of arms on the façade bears the inscription "Jaume Gallemí 1843." The estate was later also linked to the Ametller family, well-known chocolate manufacturers from Barcelona. Despite the changing owners over the centuries, the name Els Frares has stuck.

What is there to see?

Visitors can look out for the architectural details typical of period Maresme farmhouses: the proportions of the three-part façade, the stone portal with its coat of arms, the granite window and door frames, and the stone bench preserved by the entrance. Together these details trace the building's long history — from a medieval farmstead, through monastic ownership, to a residence of wealthy bourgeois families.

Today the building houses a restaurant, locally known as Cals Frares, which means visitors can also experience the masia's interior over a meal.

Where is it located?

Els Frares stands in the Agell neighborhood of Cabrera de Mar, close to the Santa Elena chapel, around which a cluster of farmhouses grouped together for mutual protection in the Middle Ages. Its geographic coordinates are 41.53434, 2.40335. Cabrera de Mar itself lies on the Catalan coast in the Maresme region, not far from Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Els Frares? It is a historic masia (Catalan rural farmhouse) in Cabrera de Mar, listed in the architectural heritage inventory and protected as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest since 1992.

Where does the name Els Frares come from? The name comes from the Benedictine monks (frares means "friars" in Catalan) who lived in the building until church property was secularized in 1835. Before that, the estate was known as ca l'Arnó.

How old is the building? The estate is first documented in 1235, though its current architectural form reflects rebuilding carried out over later centuries, including the 19th century.

Can you visit Els Frares? The building currently operates as a restaurant, which allows visitors to see its interior and architecture. It's worth checking current opening details directly before planning a visit.