All Sights

The estate and stronghold Can Borrull in the township of Santa Margarida in Palafrugell stands out from other structures of its kind by having two watchtowers instead of one and containing an integrated chapel, known as Santa Margarida or Sant Ponç de la Vilarnau. The chapel is significantly older than the house itself—it dates back to the 10th century, while the estate appeared in the township a whopping six centuries after.

The Borrull family had no land, no money and no power up until the 15th century when one of the family members distinguished himself during the Catalan Civil War of 1462-1472 by showing uncommon leadership and courage. He assembled a squad of volunteers to march to Girona, to the rescue of the crown prince Ferdinand and his mother Queen Juana Enríquez, trapped in the besieged Força Vella fortress. Upon becoming king, Ferdinand II of Aragon bestowed a military rank onto Borrull, laying the foundation of the family’s good fortunes. Soon after, the Borrulls controlled a significant part of the lands between Palafrugell and the coast.

Coordinates: 41.907360, 3.172205

Phone: 637 498 507
www.canbrancos.com

Can Cinto Xuà is a fisherman’s hut typical of an 18th-19th-century Costa Brava pueblo. Previously modest fishing villages have since become fashionable resort towns so the interiors of the huts have changed as well — modern design, expensive furniture, and decorative art have replaced fishers’ humble belongings.

To preserve the memories of times long past, the interior of Can Cinto Xuà replicates the traditional dwelling that was common among fishermen of L’Escala, with simple furniture, fishing tools and supplies, cookware and everyday items.

Can Cinto Xuà visits are organized by the Anchovy and Salt Museum. You may leave your phone number at the museum, and when there is enough interest for a group visit, you will be invited to attend a guided tour of Can Cinto Xuà.

Phone: 972 788 055
www.candispes.com

Phone: 639 994 737, 972 794 285
www.ruralgatvell.cat

Phone: 972 645 096, 626 060 240
www.canginesta.com

The tower crowning the factory of Can Mario is one of the most recognizable structures in Palafrugell and its undeniable landmark. It was built in 1904 by architect General Guitart i Lostaló who also contributed significantly to the advancement of Art Nouveau on the Costa Brava coast—Casino La Constància in Sant Feliu de Guíxols is another one of his works. In 2000, Torre Can Mario was designated a heritage object of national interest.

The tower is a metal structure on a stone base with a door to access the spiral staircase that leads to the top. There, two cylindrical blocks with forged railing sit atop one another—the lower is a water reservoir while the upper, smaller one, is an observation deck. The Can Mario tower is crowned by a cone-shaped tip with a vane and the antique factory’s coat of arms. Torre Can Mario is a remarkable example of industrial Art Nouveau.

Phone: 679 336 753, 972 645 294
www.canmetviu.com

Phone: 659 432 182
www.canmuni.com

Phone: 972 636 116
www.canpereni.com