The neoclassical manor of Ca la Gaietana in Alella

Ca la Gaietana is a manor in Alella, cataloged as a local cultural interest building. The construction consists of a nearly square central body with a ground floor, first floor, and attic, flanked by two lateral bodies with semicircular arch galleries. The complex features neoclassical elements including balustrades, water spouts above the noble floor balconies, and two lion sculptures flanking the entrance. A lookout tower sits at the center of the roof, partially hidden behind a small wall and a large semicircular fronton that is now broken in half.

The property was first mentioned in documents from the end of the 14th century as Mas Jubany. It was inherited by Gabriel Coll in the late 16th or early 17th century, becoming known as Can Coll de Baix. In 1680, it was sold to Gaietana de Cordelles, who was married to a Bavarian soldier. After 1713, the property was seized by Bourbon authorities and leased to the Royal Treasury until 1725. It passed through various owners in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the astronomer Isidre Pòlit i Boixareu was born there in 1880.

Historically, the property was accessible via a diagonal path from the riera, which is now the actual Carrer dels Cedres. Today, an urbanization exists around the building that shares the same name. Since July 2019, a group of young people has occupied the building to advocate for its historical value. The ground floor now houses a popular gymnasium and multipurpose rooms for meetings and events, with plans to create groups for consumption and production.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons