The centre of Lloret de Mar presents itself as an "open museum" (the MOLL concept), where history is discovered on foot, weaving between indiano heritage and Catalan Modernism. The "indiano" phenomenon, these emigrants who left to seek their fortune in the Americas, flourished between 1800 and 1840.
History & origins
The parish church of Sant Romà, with a Gothic façade dated between 1509 and 1522, was renovated thanks to donations from the indianos between 1912 and 1930, with the addition of colourful Modernist domes and a mosaic of the twelve apostles. Its interior, destroyed during the Civil War, has since been rebuilt.
Heritage & architecture
The Modernist cemetery, whose foundation stone was laid in 1896 on the initiative of families enriched by transatlantic trade, opened in 1901. The indiano families commissioned mausoleums from renowned architects, including Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Antoni M. Gallissà Soqué and Eusebi Arnau. It belongs to the European Cemeteries Route and is a listed Site of Cultural Interest. The Castell d'en Plaja, built in 1940 in a neo-medieval style, offers spectacular views from the top of the path leading to Sa Caleta; it is today a private residence closed to visitors.
Modernist Cemetery
Opened 1901Mausoleums by indiano-era architects, a listed Site of Cultural Interest.
Sant Romà Church
Gothic façade, 1509-1522Renovated by the indianos, 1912-1930.
Jacint Verdaguer Promenade
Funded by indiano donationsCastell d'en Plaja
1940 · neo-medievalAn iconic image of the town, now a private residence.
Lloret Beach
Main urban beachFull facilities.
Culture & living traditions
The MOLL concept (Lloret's Open Museum) frames the discovery of indiano and Modernist heritage as an urban trail rather than a conventional museum. Unlike the surrounding beaches and coves, the centre carries the memory of a specific social phenomenon: emigration to the Americas and the return of fortunes.
Suggested itinerary
Morning · 9am-12pm: In the footsteps of the indianos
Sant Romà Church, Jacint Verdaguer promenade, the Modernist cemetery.
Afternoon · 12pm-5pm: Beach and castle
Lloret Beach, then up to the Castell d'en Plaja for the view.
Evening · 5pm onwards: A lively centre
Streets of the historic centre, dinner in the MOLL district.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lloret de Mar's indiano heritage?
The architectural legacy left by the Lloretencs who left to seek their fortune in the Americas between 1800 and 1840.
Can the Modernist cemetery really be visited as an attraction?
Yes, it's a listed Site of Cultural Interest, with mausoleums by Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
What is the Castell d'en Plaja?
A neo-medieval castle from 1940, now a private residence closed to the public.
What is the MOLL concept?
Lloret's Open Museum, an urban trail for discovering indiano heritage.
When was Sant Romà Church built?
Its Gothic façade dates from 1509-1522, but its current appearance owes much to the indiano renovations of 1912-1930.
