Gaudí's 'new' work: Xalet del Catllaràs

In the heart of the Catllaràs mountains, surrounded by forests, you can find a unique building, almost by surprise: the Xalet del Catllaràs, a modest construction, perfectly integrated into the landscape. It's simple, with an amazing shape and a unique silhouette that adapts to the environment with discreet elegance.

Eusebi Güell, Antoni Gaudí and the Catllaràs mountains

This building was constructed in the early 20th century, as part of the intense relationship between the industrialist Eusebi Güell and Antoni Gaudí. Güell entrusted the architect from Reus with several projects that allowed him to expand and develop his creativity beyond the most conventional Modernisme style.  The businessman's sensibility and economic capacity gave us great works such as Palau Güell in Barcelona, the Gaudí Crypt at Colònia Güell, as well as Park Güell itself.

Eusebi Güell was the founder of the company Asland and set up the first cement factory at Clot del Moro in Castellar de n'Hug (now the Cement Museum of Castellar de n'Hug). To operate, the factory needed to use the coal mines in the Catllaràs area, but it was located far from La Pobla de Lillet, the closest town, so he thought of designing unique accommodation that would avoid long journeys for the workers and engineers assigned to the area.

The Xalet

The works were carried out between 1902 and 1903. Although it is not entirely clear to what extent Gaudí supervised its construction – which coincided with other projects such as Park Güell – his mark is clearly present. However, the recent study by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia's Gaudí Chair states that Gaudí never claimed the work as his own. Why might this have been? It's possible that the execution of the work and the modifications by third parties made it lose its initial formal and structural meaning.

Architecturally, the building stands out for the shape of the pointed barrel-vaulted roof that ends up forming the side walls. Internally, this form is neatly resolved with the typical catenary arch that Gaudí developed in other projects.

Divided into three floors, the spaces were fully utilised, and their amenities were proportional to the rank of importance of the workers who lived in them. Another highlight is the external staircase connecting the different levels, an element that disappeared during the various renovations, having been replaced by a metal one that completely broke with the original concept of the project. However, it was reconstructed during the comprehensive restoration of 2019, restoring the building to its initial appearance.

For the time being, Xalet del Catllaràs may only be visited from the outside. The inside is closed to visitors while La Pobla de Lillet town council (to which the building was ceded in 1932) finds the best use for it as a heritage site that can be visited and a cultural or tourist facility. Up to now, it has had various uses (in the 1970s, it was a summer camp) and periods of abandonment.

How do you get to Xalet del Catllaràs?

You can get there from La Pobla de Lillet on foot or by bicycle, enjoying nature and the outdoors. There is a circular route where you can also discover other interesting places. It's not a difficult route, but you should keep in mind that by foot, it can take up to 4.75 hours to cover the 17 km, with a significant difference in elevation. The route begins in La Pobla de Lillet and climbs towards the Monastery of Santa Maria and the castle of Lillet. Then, continue towards Xalet del Catllaràs, the Roc de la Lluna viewpoint, Joc de Pilota and up to Catllaràs rock. From this point, the route descends towards Camp de l'Ermità and the Sanctuary of Falgars, to finally return to Pobla de Lillet along the Camí dels Graus. It is a well-marked route, signposted as PR-C 52 and GR 4, with a long circuit and a notable elevation gain, but without any technical difficulties.

What else is there to see near Xalet del Catllaràs?

If you plan to visit the area, don't miss:

• Els Jardins Artigas in La Pobla de Lillet (also by Antoni Gaudí)
• Discover the Cement Museum in Castellar de n'Hug
• Take a ride on the Cement Train
• Visit the Fonts de Llobregat

How do you get to La Pobla de Lillet?

• By public transport, take a RENFE or FGC train to Manresa and continue the journey by bus (from the company ALSA) to La Pobla de Lillet. The other option is to take a RENFE train to Campdevànol and continue the journey by bus (Autocars MIR) to La Pobla de Lillet.
• With private transport (from Barcelona), take the C-16 road to Guardiola de Berguedà, and then the B-402 road to La Pobla de Lillet. You can also take the C-17 to Ripoll.