Mas Gili

Mas Gili is a historic masia — a traditional Catalan farmhouse estate — standing in Montgat, a small coastal town in the Maresme region right at the northeastern edge of the Barcelona metropolitan area. The building is listed in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia, marking it as one of the notable remnants of the area's rural building tradition.

What will you see there?

Mas Gili follows the basilica-type masia layout: a taller central volume covered by a two-slope roof, flanked by lower side wings. The building rises over a ground floor and one upper story, and its overall silhouette still reads as classic Catalan farmhouse architecture.

The façade's standout feature is an arched entrance portal built from wedge-shaped stone voussoirs. Next to it sits a window framed by a Gothic lobed conopial arch — an unusual and architecturally valuable detail rarely found on rural buildings in the region. The remaining window and door openings are edged with stone lintels and jambs, and the façade also preserves a sundial.

The estate's grounds are entered through an iron-barred gate set between two brick-built pillars, with the date 1889 inscribed above the passage, marking a later rebuilding or expansion phase. Inside, the building still holds a wine press dating from 1713, a tangible trace of the farm's agricultural past and the vineyards once cultivated in this stretch of the Maresme coast.

How do you get there?

Mas Gili sits in Montgat, a coastal town roughly a dozen kilometers northeast of central Barcelona. Montgat is well connected to the city by Rodalies regional trains and bus lines, making it an easy day-trip destination from the metropolis. The site's coordinates are 41.474553, 2.277402, useful for planning a walking route or a drive.

When should you visit?

Given Montgat's seaside setting, spring and early autumn are the most pleasant times to explore both the town and Mas Gili — temperatures are milder than in peak summer, and the lower sun brings out the texture of the stone façade nicely. It's worth pairing the visit with a walk along Montgat's seafront promenade and a look at other buildings on the local architectural heritage list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mas Gili? It's a historic masia, a traditional Catalan farmhouse estate, located in Montgat in the Maresme region. The building is listed in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia.

What's the most notable architectural feature? The arched stone portal and the Gothic conopial-arch window on the façade stand out most, along with the sundial and the wrought-iron entrance gate dated 1889.

Can you visit the interior? The building preserves historic elements inside, including a 1713 wine press, but access to the interior depends on the building's current use — it's best to check locally before planning a visit.

How do you get to Mas Gili from Barcelona? The easiest way is by Rodalies regional train or bus to Montgat — the town sits right on the coast, about a dozen kilometers from central Barcelona.