Cal Llonch

Cal Llonch, also known by its local name Cal Lloncn, stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era in the heart of Rubí, Spain. This historic building, located at 28-30 Carrer de Terrassa, is not just an architectural marvel but also a vessel of rich historical narratives that have shaped the local culture and heritage. As you stroll through the narrow streets of Rubí, the sight of Cal Llonch’s weathered facade invites you to step back in time and explore the stories embedded within its walls.

The Architectural Charm of Cal Llonch

Cal Llonch is a corner building with a ground floor and two upper floors, featuring an annexed garden that, unfortunately, has seen better days. The main facade is a study in simplicity and elegance, with a single row of openings. The entrance door, framed by red sandstone ashlars, once hidden under modern plaster and conglomerate skirting, now reveals its original grandeur. Above the entrance, a balcony with a chamfered stone slab and a wrought-iron railing adorned with floral motifs adds a touch of artistry to the structure. The second floor boasts a smaller balcony, reduced to an enlarged window, offering a glimpse into the building’s past.

The building's crowning cornice, adorned with small corbels, unifies the entire facade. The stuccoed wall, with its ashlar lines on the ground floor and cushioned ends, along with horizontal speckled lines at the balcony levels, adds to the building's aesthetic appeal. A notable feature is the discontinuity on the right side, marking a later addition, which includes a small door leading directly to the garden from the street, topped by two bricked-up windows.

The Southern Loggia: A Nostalgic Echo of Colonial Influence

The southern loggia, opening to the garden, is undoubtedly the most striking element of Cal Llonch. This three-story loggia features nine semicircular arcades on brick pillars, with the central three arcs slightly wider than the others. The loggia is crowned by a continuation of the main facade's cornice, topped with a blind railing centered with a triangular pediment, harmonizing beautifully with the dual-pitched roof. This architectural style is reminiscent of the homes of the americanos or indianos, inspired by colonial American architecture, particularly from Cuba, where arcaded porches and galleries on Tuscan columns (the so-called Florentine arcade of the Italian Renaissance) are a common sight.

A Glimpse into the Past: The History of Cal Llonch

In the mid-20th century, the Cal Llonch estate was part of the Rubí Castle domains, owned by the Marquise of Moja and Cartellà, Josepa de Sarriera i de Copons. In 1860, she established it in emphyteusis to Vicenç Llugany i Muixí, a mason. Vicenç, along with his wife Eulàlia Salvatella i Casajoana and their daughter Lluïsa, lived in one of the small houses on Carrer de la Justícia within the estate.

In 1872, Lluïsa Llugany married Jaume Llonch, prompting the construction of a new family residence, designed by Terrassa master builder Jaume Comerma i Torrella. The original project lacked the second floor and featured two windows that were either never opened or later bricked up. Jaume Llonch passed away in 1879, and in 1886, Lluïsa remarried Pere Calders i Valls. Upon Vicenç Llugany’s death in 1894, his estate was inherited by Lluïsa.

In 1899, Gabriel Llonch i Llugany, Lluïsa’s heir, established a pastry shop in Plaça de Catalunya, moving in with his mother. His brother Antoni Llonch i Llugany later moved to Havana, establishing a construction business. During these years, the house on Carrer de Terrassa remained uninhabited. Upon Lluïsa’s death in 1917, the property passed to Antoni Llonch, who rented it out to various families over the years. In 1946, Antoni redeemed the estate’s census from the Marquis of Barberà for 2,400 pesetas. Upon Antoni’s death in 1963 without descendants, the property was inherited by his brother Miquel and nieces Eulàlia and Josepa, who also died without descendants, passing the estate to their cousin Montserrat Vila i Majó. In 2001, Montserrat sold the property to the Suabad locksmith, promoter of the Hotel Ciutat de Rubí.

The Present State: A Testament to Time

In late 2003, six of the upper loggia’s arcades collapsed, and two decades later, the building remains abandoned and in a state of advanced degradation. Despite its current condition, Cal Llonch continues to stand as a testament to the architectural and historical significance of Rubí. Its walls, though weathered and worn, echo the stories of the families who lived and loved within its confines, and the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

For those with a keen interest in history and architecture, a visit to Cal Llonch is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the past and a reflection on the passage of time. While the building awaits restoration, it remains a cherished landmark, a silent witness to the ever-changing landscape of Rubí.