Can Cadena

Can Cadena is an eighteenth-century farmhouse in the old nucleus of La Verneda de Sant Martí, Barcelona. Its former stables sheltered carts and mules beside a nearby inn.

Today, the protected building forms part of Sant Martí Park and combines architecture, ecological agriculture and environmental education. The old orchards now hold urban garden plots. A farm area shelters sheep, goats, ducks, rabbits, geese and chickens within the grounds. Composters transform straw and animal manure into fertiliser for the garden plots.

Fruit trees, aromatic plants, wildlife structures and a naturalised pond fed by an old well shape the landscape. A raised planting table supports gardeners with reduced mobility. A classroom supports municipal parks training, while school groups use the site for environmental learning and visits. Picnic tables offer visitors benches and summer shade.

Photovoltaic panels generate electricity for the site and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Can Cadena links Barcelona’s rural heritage with community gardening and practical lessons in agroecology.