Can Rigalt: A local cultural asset in Sant Adrià de Besòs

Can Rigalt, also known as Can Barnola, is an old masia situated at the intersection of Avinguda de Pi i Margall and Carrer Major in Sant Adrià de Besòs, recognized as a local cultural asset. Today, it is under municipal ownership. Although it was originally built next to the old Mataró road, its surroundings have been distorted by the construction of modern apartment buildings of eight floors. The masia showcases a coat of arms carved on a prismatic block of Montjuïc stone, which was removed in 2001 and reinstated in 2003.

The coat of arms is divided into two parts by a diagonal line, featuring a rampant lion on the upper right and two wavy diagonal stripes on the lower left. It is crowned with a helm with plumes and surrounded by leaves, indicating the noble character of the owners, the Girona family. Can Rigalt is a traditional Catalan farmhouse, constructed with a ground floor, first floor, and attic. Miquel Rigalt, a silver craftsman from Barcelona, purchased the property in 1727 from the co-heirs of Francesc Gener, the grandfather of his first wife Mònica Clavera i Gener.

The property was inherited by the eldest son of Francesca Rigalt i Clavera and Joan de Girona i Comas, Miquel de Girona i Rigalt, who married Eulàlia Augirot i de Nadal. Following Miquel's premature death, the property passed to his son Francesc de Girona i Augirot, who married Marianna Ros i Oller. The property was eventually inherited by their descendants, who remained the owners until the early 21st century. A garden containing a palm tree and other types of trees is located between the entrance gate and the house, providing a green space within the urban environment.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons