Vilasar de Mar town hall

Vilassar de Mar town hall sits right in the heart of this coastal town on the Maresme coast, a short train ride northeast of Barcelona, and it is one of the most recognisable public buildings in the area.

Where exactly is the town hall?

The building stands at Plaça de l'Ajuntament 6 (postcode 08340), right next to the site of the old casino, in the historic centre of town. The square in front of it has served as the focal point of civic life in Vilassar de Mar for generations, hosting local celebrations and acting as an obvious landmark for anyone exploring the old town on foot.

What does the building look like?

The town hall was originally built in the mid-19th century, then remodelled in 1903 by architect Farrés Puig, giving it the appearance visitors see today. The façade follows a neoclassical style: a ground floor lined with arcades supports two upper storeys, producing the calm, symmetrical composition typical of Catalan town halls from that era. The arcaded ground floor is more than decoration - in many Maresme towns, this kind of covered gallery originally doubled as a sheltered walkway and market space, which is worth keeping in mind when looking at the building from the square.

What is the history behind the town this building represents?

Vilassar de Mar became an independent municipality in 1784, splitting off from the neighbouring inland town of Vilassar de Dalt. From that point on, it developed as a separate community along the Maresme coast, built on fishing, seafaring and maritime trade, and increasingly shaped by coastal tourism in later centuries. The town hall, as the seat of local government, has stood at the centre of that story since the town gained its independence.

Is it worth stopping by the town hall on a visit?

Yes - Plaça de l'Ajuntament is a natural starting point for exploring Vilassar de Mar's old town. Streets fan out from the square toward the seafront promenade and the beach, and the town hall's architecture is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century civic building in this stretch of the Maresme. It is a good spot to slow down for a moment and picture what the centre of a Catalan fishing town looked like before mass coastal tourism reshaped the area.

How do you get there and when should you go?

Vilassar de Mar sits directly on the coast, on the rail line connecting Barcelona with the rest of the Maresme, which makes it an easy day-trip destination. The square in front of the town hall is within walking distance of both the train station and the beach, so it pairs naturally with a short stroll through the old town followed by time on the seafront promenade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Vilassar de Mar town hall located? At Plaça de l'Ajuntament 6 (postcode 08340), in the town centre, next to the site of the former casino building.

What architectural style is the town hall built in? Neoclassical, with an arcaded ground floor and two upper storeys; the building took its current form after a 1903 remodelling.

Who redesigned the building in the early 20th century? Architect Farrés Puig carried out the 1903 remodelling.

Can you call the town hall directly? Yes, the local government's contact number is 937 542 400.

Is Vilassar de Mar its own municipality? Yes, it has been independent since 1784, when it split off from neighbouring Vilassar de Dalt.