Mas Antic (el Masnou)

Mas Antic is a historic masia (traditional Catalan farmhouse) in El Masnou, a small coastal town in the Maresme region, roughly 20 kilometers northeast of Barcelona. The building dates back to the 17th century and is listed as a cultural asset of local interest, making it one of the more notable surviving examples of rural architecture along this stretch of coast.

How do you get to Mas Antic?

El Masnou sits directly on the Rodalies commuter rail line connecting Barcelona to the Maresme coast, so the town is easy to reach by train — the ride from central Barcelona takes about 20 to 30 minutes. From the station, the farmhouse is best reached on foot or by bike, since it stands near an old road that once ran close to the shoreline, predating the town's later urban expansion. Drivers will find parking typical of small Maresme seaside towns nearby.

What will you see there?

Mas Antic is above all a showcase of the architecture typical of Catalan farmhouses from several centuries ago. The building has a rectangular floor plan and a two-slope roof with the ridge running perpendicular to the facade, plus a stone doorway topped by a round arch. The facade features five symmetrically arranged windows — the upper-right one is decorated with a carved female face, while the upper-left window has been reshaped into a lowered Gothic arch flanked by two small carved angel faces.

Equally striking are the building's defensive touches: a square watchtower rises at the rear right of the house, and a small defensive turret sits at the upper right corner of the facade. Details like these are a reminder that farmhouses along the Maresme coast sometimes needed at least a token defensive capacity, given the historical risk of raids from the sea.

The property's name comes from the Antich family (spelled "Antic" in older, pre-standardized Catalan), who owned it until the 18th century. Through marriage, the estate then passed to the Santpere family, owners of the nearby Can Targa estate. Another significant chapter opened in 1919, when brothers Carles and Joaquim Cusí Furtunet bought the property and set up pharmaceutical laboratories on the grounds — an episode that links this traditional rural building to the early 20th-century industrial era.

When is the best time to visit?

Since Mas Antic is mainly viewed from the outside, it can be visited comfortably at almost any time of year. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, when Maresme temperatures are mild and walking around the area is easy. In summer, pair a visit with a stop at El Masnou's beaches; in autumn and winter you'll get to enjoy the town's quieter pace, away from the seasonal crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a masia, and why does Mas Antic matter? A masia is a traditional Catalan farmhouse, historically combining living quarters, agricultural functions, and sometimes a defensive role. Mas Antic stands out among similar buildings in the region for its well-preserved architectural details, including carved windows and a watchtower.

Can you go inside Mas Antic? The building is a privately owned property protected as a local heritage asset, so visits are generally limited to viewing the facade and exterior from the street.

How is Mas Antic connected to the pharmaceutical industry? In 1919 the Cusí Furtunet brothers purchased the estate and installed pharmaceutical laboratories there, an interesting example of a historic rural building being repurposed for industry in the early 20th century.

What else is worth seeing near Mas Antic? El Masnou offers beaches, a seafront promenade, and a marina, so a stop at the farmhouse pairs easily with a walk along the coast or a visit to other historic farmhouses scattered around the municipality.