Rectoria Vella

Rectoria Vella is a 15th-century Gothic residence in Sant Celoni, in the Vallès Oriental region of Catalonia. The building stands inside the park that shares its name and is one of the best-preserved examples of Catalan Gothic civil architecture in the area.

What is this place?

Rectoria Vella was originally the rectory of the parish of Sant Martí de Pertegàs, the founding parish of Sant Celoni. It was built by rector Ferrer Despujol between 1413 and 1432. A century later the residence was remodeled with Renaissance elements, giving it a more palatial character than a plain Gothic rectory.

Priests lived there until 1850, when the parish community moved to a new rectory built beside the new parish church. The old building then fell into disrepair until Josep Bové bought it in 1910 and turned it into a summer residence rented out to wealthy Barcelona families. In 1951 the Salesians acquired the property and used it as a summer camp until 1975. Since then the building has belonged to the Sant Celoni town council, which carried out its restoration.

What will you see there?

Today Rectoria Vella works as a cultural venue, hosting exhibitions and events of local and regional interest. The first floor houses the Park Documentation Centre (Centre de Documentació del Parc), which offers information on the surrounding Montnegre-Corredor natural park.

The building itself is worth a look from an architectural standpoint too — it combines plain Gothic stonework with later Renaissance additions, visible in the façade details and interior layout. The surrounding park is a quiet, green space right in the middle of town, a pleasant spot for a short break between sights.

How do you get there?

Rectoria Vella sits in the centre of Sant Celoni, a town on the main routes connecting Barcelona with Girona and the Costa Brava. Driving is the easiest option — Sant Celoni is on the AP-7 motorway and the N-152 national road. Regional trains from Barcelona also serve the town on the R2 Rodalies line, and the Sant Celoni station is a short walk from the centre, close to the park and the building.

When should you visit?

The park and the grounds around the building can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, with mild temperatures and the park at its greenest. It's worth checking the current exhibition and event schedule before visiting, since the cultural programme changes seasonally. Summer brings several local festivals to Sant Celoni, adding to the atmosphere, though the weather is warmer and the town busier at that time.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Rectoria Vella free? Access to the park is generally free, while specific exhibitions or events inside the building may require a ticket — it's worth checking locally or with the town's tourist information office.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the building and park takes about 30–45 minutes, longer if there's an exhibition worth lingering over.

Is the building accessible for visitors with disabilities? Given its historic character, some areas of the building may have limited accessibility — it's best to contact the venue managers before visiting.

Is it worth combining with other sights in Sant Celoni? Yes, the town centre is small and walkable, so Rectoria Vella pairs easily with other stops in Sant Celoni, including nearby landmarks and access points to the Montnegre-Corredor natural park.