Les Torres d'en Godó

Les Torres d'en Godó is a cluster of Catalan Modernist summer villas in the northern part of Teià, a small town in the Maresme region about 25 km north of Barcelona. The ensemble stretches along the highest section of Passeig de la Riera and around Carrer Comte de Godó, and it counts among the more interesting examples of turn-of-the-century holiday architecture on this stretch of coast.

What exactly is this place?

Despite the name, this isn't a single building but a group of detached houses built as summer residences for well-off Barcelona families. The name comes from the Godó family, who also gave their name to the adjoining street. Within the group, a few houses are individually known, such as Villa Adriana at Passeig de la Riera 143 and Villa Montón at Carrer Comte de Godó 6-8 — each with its own personality, though all share the same stylistic vocabulary.

What's the history behind it?

The houses were built between 1888 and 1910, right at the height of Catalan Modernisme. During this period, Teià — like other towns along the Maresme coast — became a fashionable summer retreat for prosperous Barcelona families looking to escape the city. Les Torres d'en Godó is a direct product of that trend: rather than one grand family estate, it's a cluster of separate holiday villas built up gradually over roughly two decades.

What should you look out for?

The scale here is modest rather than monumental — most houses are one or two storeys, some with an attic level, and their proportions echo traditional Catalan farmhouses (masies) more than city mansions. The Modernist character shows up mainly in the details: façades follow soft, curving lines, and the decoration draws heavily on floral and botanical motifs, a popular Modernist register widely used in private residential building at the time. Walking along Passeig de la Riera is the best way to see how each house plays with the same basic elements — arched openings, decorated balconies, ornamented cornices — in slightly different ways.

How do you get there?

Teià sits in the Maresme, between Barcelona and Mataró, and driving is the most straightforward option — around 30-40 minutes from Barcelona via the C-32 motorway, followed by local roads into the town centre. Alternatively, take a Rodalies train to Masnou or Alella-Teià station, then a short bus or taxi ride, since the station itself isn't in central Teià. Les Torres d'en Godó lie in the northern, elevated part of town, so be ready for a walk uphill — easily done on foot or by bike if the weather cooperates.

When's the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are ideal for strolling along Passeig de la Riera, with mild Maresme temperatures and light that flatters the façade details. Summers can get warm, but afternoons and evenings are still pleasant for a walk, and the area stays quiet compared to the crowds typical of nearby beach towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Les Torres d'en Godó a single building or a group of houses? It's a group of several summer villas built independently between 1888 and 1910, not one single residence.

Where does the name "d'en Godó" come from? It comes from the Godó family, associated with this part of Teià; the neighbouring street, Carrer Comte de Godó, carries the same name.

Can you go inside the houses? The villas are private homes, so visits are limited to viewing the architecture and façades from the street while walking along Passeig de la Riera.

Is it worth combining with other sights in Teià? Yes — Teià is small enough to explore in a single afternoon, so a walk past Les Torres d'en Godó pairs easily with a visit to the rest of the historic centre.