A step back in time

Granja Vella de Martí Codolar is a Salesian seminary and residence that you can visit or where you can stay for a short retreat. It was formerly an agricultural estate with a residential mansion, and in addition to its location in an idyllic corner of Barcelona, it is also steeped in history.

The origin of the estate dates back to the 17th century, when the Horta-Guinardó district was predominantly rural and the Can Gausachs farmhouse was built. It remained as it was until the property was bought in the 18th century by the Milà de la Roca family,who turned the farmhouse into a French-style manor house in the early 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that the next owner, Lluís Martí Codolar, and his family filled the gardens with exotic animals, giving rise to Barcelona’s first zoo.

An eclectic environment

The Granja Vella was transferred to the Congregation of the Salesians in 1946 because of the close friendship that Lluís Martí Codolar had developed with Joan Bosco, which he extended to the Salesians of Sarrià. Granja Vella de Martí Codolar’s rural setting, religious mysticism and stately elegance are a subtle, harmonious combination that continues to inspire awe to this day.