Masia Ribas

Masia Ribas is a 19th-century manor house in the Catalan town of Premià de Mar, listed as a local cultural heritage asset. The building stands on Carrer Joaquim Ruyra 7-11, inside a block bounded by the streets Joaquim Ruyra, Pau Casals, Pompeu Fabra and Montseny — a quiet residential part of town away from the seafront promenade.

Where does Masia Ribas come from?

The house was built in 1881 by Gertrudis Ribas i Steva, not as a working farmstead but as a summer retreat surrounded by fruit orchards — a leisure residence for the Ribas family. Ownership later passed to the Folch i Ribas family, whose members included Antoni Ribas i Jordà, a manufacturer of printed handkerchiefs, and Francesc Folch i Ribas, also an industrialist. These family ties explain why the building blends the character of a rural manor with the taste of an upper middle-class residence from the turn of the 20th century.

What will you see there?

The floor plan is rectangular, made up of three sections set perpendicular to the façade. The house rises over a ground floor and two upper storeys, and the side sections of the top floor feature arcaded galleries with balustraded railings — a hallmark of Catalan neoclassical architecture that lightens the visual weight of an otherwise solid masonry structure. The whole property is set within a large garden planted with pine trees, which still forms a green pocket amid the surrounding streets.

It's worth knowing that Masia Ribas no longer serves as a private residence. Following a change to the town's general urban plan, the building was converted into a private school, which limits free access to the interior. Visitors can still admire the façade, the galleries and a glimpse of the garden from the surrounding streets.

How do you get to Masia Ribas?

Premià de Mar sits on the Maresme coast, well connected to Barcelona by the Rodalies commuter rail line, making it an easy day-trip destination. Masia Ribas itself lies in a part of town a short walk from the train station and the beach, in a quiet area built up mostly with single-family houses. It makes a good stop for anyone who wants to see a less touristy side of the town after strolling along the seafront.

When should you visit?

Because the building is mainly viewed from the outside, the season matters less here than at the beach. Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking the surrounding streets without the summer heat, and the garden's greenery looks its best in those months. It's best to avoid school hours if you'd like to view the building without the comings and goings of the school that now occupies it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the inside of Masia Ribas? No — the building currently operates as a private school, so the interior is reserved for students and staff. Visitors can view it from the outside.

What architectural style is the manor? It is a neoclassical building dating from 1881, notable for its arcaded galleries and balustraded railings on the upper-floor side sections.

Who built Masia Ribas? It was built by Gertrudis Ribas i Steva as a family summer residence; the property later passed to the Folch i Ribas family.

Is there anything else to see nearby? Yes — Premià de Mar has a seafront promenade and beach, and a walk to Masia Ribas can be combined with a look at other heritage houses around town.