Far de Can Jalpí

Far de Can Jalpí is a small tower in Arenys de Munt, an inland town in the Maresme region of Catalonia, just behind the Costa del Maresme coastline. Despite its name — which translates as "lighthouse" — the structure never guided any ships. It was built in 1900 as a purely ornamental feature of the Can Jalpí estate, standing over an artificial pond in the property's gardens.

What exactly is the Far de Can Jalpí?

The tower was conceived as a landscape feature of Can Jalpí, a grand residential estate located just south of the structure itself. Its builders gave it the shape of a lighthouse for decorative effect only, following the taste for romantic, picturesque garden follies common at the turn of the 20th century. Today the tower is listed as a local cultural heritage asset (Bé Cultural d'Interès Local) by the Arenys de Munt town council, reflecting its historical value to the community.

Structurally, it is a circular brick tower, rendered with plasterwork that imitates cut ashlar stone. A spiral staircase runs up the main body of the tower, giving access to the top. The upper section is octagonal in plan and covered with a roof of wooden beams and ceramic tiles — a treatment typical of ornamental garden pavilions of the period rather than of a functioning lighthouse.

How do you get there?

Arenys de Munt sits inland, a short distance from the coastal towns of Arenys de Mar and Caldes d'Estrac, both served by the Maresme coastal railway line. From the center of Arenys de Munt, the tower is best reached on foot or by car, since it stands on the grounds of the former Can Jalpí estate, surrounded by the greenery typical of this part of the region. Travelers without a car can take a regional train to one of the coastal Maresme stations and continue inland by bus or taxi to Arenys de Munt.

What will you see there?

The main draw is the tower itself: its circular, rendered form with faux stone jointing stands out clearly from the rest of the town's ordinary buildings. The octagonal top, with its exposed wooden roof structure, is the most distinctive part of the whole building. The surrounding grounds of the former Can Jalpí estate, including traces of the pond the tower once overlooked, add to the atmosphere — this is a well-preserved piece of provincial garden architecture from over a century ago, tucked away in a Maresme town far from the busier coastal crowds.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the nature of the site — a small outdoor structure set among greenery — spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when Maresme temperatures are mild and the surrounding vegetation is at its best. Summers in the region can be hot and busy with visitors heading for the coast, though inland Arenys de Munt feels this pressure far less than the seaside towns nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Far de Can Jalpí a real lighthouse? No. Despite its lighthouse-like name and shape, the tower never served any navigational purpose. It was built as a decorative feature of the Can Jalpí estate gardens, overlooking an artificial pond.

When was the tower built? It dates from 1900 and has stood as part of the former Can Jalpí residential estate in Arenys de Munt ever since.

Can you climb to the top of the tower? A spiral staircase inside the tower leads up to the octagonal top beneath its wood-and-tile roof. Whether visitors can currently access it depends on the site's condition and any local rules in place, so it's worth checking locally before planning a visit.

Is the tower a protected building? Yes, the Far de Can Jalpí is listed as a local cultural heritage asset by the Arenys de Munt town council.