“Watch your step. The ground here is uneven.” Did you notice this curious tower amidst the modern buildings? This is the Torre de Mas Enrich also known as Torre del Moro. It is a monument protected as a local cultural asset of Barcelona.
Imagine Barcelona in the 16th century. This tower was part of the Mas Enrich farmhouse within the Can Fontaner estate. The Torre de Mas Enrich was a strategic point. It stood along the route to Valldaura Castle. Troops would stop here to rest and resupply.
The Plaça de la Ciutadella might owe its name to a fortress that once stood here. This tower offers a glimpse into that past.
Look closely at the Torre de Mas Enrich. The building has a square floor plan. It is wedged between party walls. The construction features rammed earth with brick corners. The entrance boasts a voussoir arch. Notice the two Gothic windows. They are positioned on the same axis on successive floors. One window is covered by a sign.
On the first floor window, spot the carved heads. A woman and a turbaned man are depicted. These figures likely gave rise to the tower’s nickname, Torre del Moro meaning Moor’s Tower. Some believe they represent Moors which is why it’s called that.
Powerful Barcelona figures frequented this area. The Marquis de Castellbell and others would journey from Barcelona. They’d make stops at Mas Ferrer and Torre Llobeta. Torre de Mas Enrich was their third stop before reaching their estates.
Next to the Torre de Mas Enrich were homes for servants and stables for animals. The expansion of Coimbra Street eventually affected these buildings.
It seems Torre de Mas Enrich predates Can Fontaner. Its Gothic windows suggest an earlier construction period. It is one of the few remaining architectural remnants of that grand house.
Unfortunately, the Torre de Mas Enrich is in poor condition. In 2021 it was used as a junkyard. Its degradation is obvious. A strong neighborhood movement is trying to force the City Council to preserve it.
Local residents want the city to take charge of the building. Some suggest turning it into a water museum. This idea stems from its proximity to the Can Cortada stream.
The name Torre de Mas Enrich might fade if we don’t protect it. We must value this piece of Barcelona’s history.