Vil·la Joana facts for kids
Viŀla Joana is a special old house called a masia. It's located in Vallvidrera, a part of Barcelona, right in the middle of the beautiful Collserola Natural Park. This building has two floors, a tall watchtower, and cool galleries on the sides. You can easily spot it by the clock on its main front wall.
Today, Viŀla Joana is home to a branch of the Barcelona City History Museum (MUHBA). In 2016, the museum updated its displays. It teaches visitors about the history of the house, literature, and the famous Catalan poet Jacint Verdaguer, who sadly passed away here in 1902.
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Discovering Viŀla Joana's Past
Viŀla Joana was one of the most important masies in Vallvidrera. Records show it has existed since the 1500s. In the 1800s, the Miralles family bought the property. This is when it got its current name, Viŀla Joana. This name shows how the old farmhouse changed into a fancy residential home. In 1902, the well-known poet Jacint Verdaguer stayed with the Miralles family. He passed away here after a short visit.
The Vilajoana School Years
Starting in 1920, Viŀla Joana became home to the "Vilajoana School". This was a special school for children with specific needs. Many important teachers worked there, including Jesús María Bellido and Joan Llongueres. The school stayed at Viŀla Joana until 1973. Then, it moved to a new building nearby.
Becoming a Museum Today
After the school moved, the Barcelona City Government decided to turn Viŀla Joana into a museum. This museum would honor Jacint Verdaguer. It also became part of the Barcelona City History Museum network. Between 2014 and 2016, the house was fully renovated. Its historical exhibits were also updated. Now, MUHBA Viŀla Joana shows items about the house's own history. It also covers the special school's teaching work. You can learn about Barcelona as a city of literature. Most importantly, it features many things related to Jacint Verdaguer.
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