Vil·la Joana facts for kids
Viŀla Joana is a special old house found in Vallvidrera, a part of Barcelona. It sits right in the middle of the beautiful Collserola Natural Park. This building has two floors, a tall watchtower, and open walkways on its sides. A cool feature you'll notice is the clock on the front of the house.
Today, Viŀla Joana is home to a part of the Barcelona City History Museum, also known as MUHBA. The museum was updated in 2016. It teaches visitors about the history of the house itself. It also explores literature and the life of a famous Catalan poet, Jacint Verdaguer, who passed away here in 1902.
Contents
The Story of Viŀla Joana
Viŀla Joana was once one of the most important country houses in Vallvidrera. Records show it has been around since the 1500s. In the 1800s, the Miralles family bought the property.
How Viŀla Joana Got Its Name
When the Miralles family took over, the old farmhouse changed. It became more like a fancy home, or a "villa." This is when it got its current name, Viŀla Joana.
A Poet's Last Home
In 1902, a very famous Catalan poet named Jacint Verdaguer stayed at Viŀla Joana. The Miralles family welcomed him into their home. Sadly, he passed away there after a short time.
The Special School at Viŀla Joana
Starting in 1920, Viŀla Joana became a school. It was called the Vilajoana School. This was a special school that helped students with unique learning needs. Many talented teachers worked there, including Jesús María Bellido and Joan Llongueres.
The school stayed at Viŀla Joana for many years. In 1973, it moved to a new building nearby.
Becoming a Museum Today
After the school moved, the city government of Barcelona decided to turn Viŀla Joana into a museum. They wanted it to honor Jacint Verdaguer. The museum became part of the Barcelona City History Museum network.
Between 2014 and 2016, the house was fully renovated. Its historical displays were also updated. Now, MUHBA Viŀla Joana shows items about the house's history. It also highlights the important work of the special school. You can also learn about Barcelona as a city of literature. Most importantly, it tells the story of Jacint Verdaguer.
