Casa Maso (Maso House)

Welcome to Casa Masó, one of Girona's most treasured architectural gems and the only house along the picturesque Onyar River that opens its doors to visitors like you. As you stand before this elegant white facade, you're looking at the birthplace and former home of Rafael Masó i Valentí, one of Catalonia's most influential architects and a leading figure of the Noucentisme movement that swept through early twentieth-century Catalonia. Born here in 1880, Masó would grow up gazing at these very river views that now captivate you, and perhaps it was this intimate connection with Girona's medieval charm that shaped his unique architectural philosophy. Unlike his contemporary Antoni Gaudí, whose modernist creations embraced organic curves and fantastical forms, Masó advocated for a more restrained approach that honored traditional Catalan building techniques while incorporating modern sensibilities. This philosophy, which he called "architecture of the country," is beautifully exemplified in the very building where you now stand. Notice how the house's clean lines and geometric proportions create a sense of harmony with its surroundings. The white stucco facade, punctuated by carefully positioned windows and balconies, demonstrates Masó's belief that buildings should complement rather than compete with their historical context.