Torre Sala

Torre Sala is an eclectic early-20th-century mansion in Teià, a small town in the Maresme region roughly 25 km northeast of Barcelona. Listed in Catalonia's inventory of architectural heritage, it stands out as one of the more distinctive examples of private residential architecture built along this stretch of coast in the 1920s.

Where does the name come from and who built it?

The house was built in 1928, commissioned by the Count of Godó for his daughter Rosa. Its name, Torre Sala, comes simply from its location next to the neighboring estate of Can Sala. The design is the work of Lluís Bonet i Garí, an architect who trained alongside Josep Puig i Cadafalch and studied under Antoni Gaudí — a pedigree that shows in the building's careful detailing and confident massing.

What will you see on site?

Torre Sala sits on a square footprint under a four-sided sloped roof, with a ground floor, first floor, and an attic that spans the entire building. The façades follow a style close to classical Renaissance architecture: porticoes, columns with Corinthian capitals, semicircular arches, balustrades, pediments, and abundant terracotta ornamentation — it's this warm terracotta tone that dominates the exterior. Window frames carry decorative terracotta motifs depicting allegorical figures, while the outer walls are worked in sgraffito with geometric patterns. Behind the house lies a small planted forest of trees brought in from abroad, an unusual touch for a residence of this period in the region.

One detail worth knowing: during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), the building served as a school, a small but telling piece of local history embedded in the site.

How do you get to Torre Sala?

Teià sits in the Maresme region, between Barcelona and Mataró, reachable via the C-32 highway and local bus connections from both cities. Driving from central Barcelona typically takes 30–40 minutes. The nearest train stations are in neighboring coastal towns such as Vilassar de Mar or Masnou, since Teià itself is not on the coastal railway line — from there, a short bus or taxi ride completes the trip.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to explore Teià and the wider Maresme, with mild temperatures and the surrounding vineyard-covered hills at their most scenic. Summer brings heavier tourist traffic focused on the nearby beaches, which is worth factoring in if you're after a quiet walk through the town's historic streets.

Torre Sala remains a private residence, so visits are generally limited to viewing the façade and grounds from outside — enough, though, to appreciate the craftsmanship of its detailing and its place in Teià's architectural story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Torre Sala? No, it's a private property. Visitors can view it from outside as part of a walk through Teià's historic area.

Who designed the building? Lluís Bonet i Garí, an architect who worked alongside Josep Puig i Cadafalch and trained under Antoni Gaudí.

Why is it called "Torre Sala"? Because it was built next to the neighboring Can Sala estate in 1928.

What else is worth combining with a visit to Teià? Pair a walk through Teià with a stop in nearby coastal towns like Vilassar de Mar or Masnou, both well connected by train to Barcelona and Mataró.