The Romanesque Balcony of Les Feixes de Coaner, Sant Mateu de Bages

Les Feixes de Coaner, a historic masia in Sant Mateu de Bages, is part of the Inventari del Patrimoni Arquitectònic de Catalunya, built in 1595 and later abandoned by the Feixes family in 1873. The distinguishing feature of this manor is the high-standing balcony, which originally stood over the main door. The Romanesque capitals on both ends of the balcony include a human figure and an intricate dragon-like animal. This decorative band that frames the lintel is one of the unique details of this ancient masia.

Initially, the Feixes family traded gel, produced in the well at Les Feixes, in the city of Barcelona. Tragedy struck in 1649 when Jacint Freixes, a relative of the family, died on his journey to Barcelona. The Feixes family was one of the many wealthy families with interests in trade and land ownership during the era. Today, the house still stands on its own in the serene countryside of Sant Mateu de Bages, revealing its intricate past and offering a peek into the lives of the Feixes family in the 16th century.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons