The History of the Catalan “Masia”
The masia is one of the most emblematic forms of traditional Catalan architecture. These rural farmhouses began to take shape between the 11th and 13th centuries, during a period of agricultural expansion. As new lands were cleared and cultivated, families built masias as both homes and centers of farming activity.
At first, masias were modest stone dwellings located close to fertile fields, vineyards, or forests. Over time, as families grew and agricultural production became more organized, masias expanded. Many developed into masoveries, where tenant farmers (masovers) lived and worked the land in exchange for a share of the harvest, creating a system that sustained rural economies for centuries.
From the Gothic period onward, masias grew in size and complexity. They often included chapels, bread ovens, wells, and barns, making them self-contained units of life and work. Their construction was always practical, adapted to the surrounding landscape: thick stone walls for insulation, sloped roofs with Arabic tiles to channel rainwater, and strategic orientation to capture sunlight.
Architecture and Self-Sufficiency
Built with stone, wood, and Arabic tiles, masias were adapted to their surroundings and respected natural cycles. Their design followed a logic of self-sufficiency: the ground floor held stables, cellars, and storage areas; the main floor was for daily life; and the attic stored grain. Everything was thought out to maintain balance with the ecosystem and make the most of natural resources in a sustainable way.
Places of Welcome and Community
Beyond being homes and production centers, masias were also places of welcome. Farmers, neighbors, and travelers could always find warmth, food, and hospitality. Around them, networks of community, mutual help, and celebration grew, shaping rural life in Catalonia.
Decline and Revival
The 19th and 20th centuries brought industrialization and urban migration, leading many masias into decline or abandonment. However, their architectural and cultural value has never been forgotten. In recent decades, masias have experienced a renaissance: some have been restored as family homes, rural guesthouses, or cultural centers, reconnecting them to their original role as spaces of hospitality and community.
Masias as Spaces of Tranquility and Inspiration
Rooted in nature and far from the noise of cities, masias offer a unique environment of silence, beauty, and simplicity. Their self-sufficient design, surrounded by fields, forests, and the rhythms of rural life, creates a natural harmony that fosters reflection and creativity. For artists, this atmosphere becomes an ideal backdrop to disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect with the essentials. In the stillness of a masia, inspiration flows more freely, allowing new ideas, perspectives, and artistic processes to emerge.
From Past to Present: Can Ruscada
Many masias fell into disuse with the rural exodus to the cities, but today some are being revived through new projects. This is the case of Can Ruscada, a masia built in 1806 that now hosts the Can Silvestre project. In the spirit of the traditional masia, Can Silvestre keeps alive its role as a place of welcome and connection with nature, offering artists and creators an environment of calm, beauty, and inspiration.