Casino de la Rabassada in Collserola goes on sale for 1.7 million: 100,000 m² of abandoned Modernist icon

The former Casino de la Rabassada is looking for a new owner for 1.7 million. More than 100,000 m2 of land in the heart of nature and with views of Barcelona. The protected building only permits cultural or artistic uses. A unique opportunity to reinvent a forgotten icon.

The sale of the Casino de la Rabassada reopens the debate about the future of one of Barcelona's most mysterious and emblematic corners. The historic modernist complex, hidden among Collserola's vegetation and visible from the Rabassada road, is now being offered for 1.7 million euros. The figure is surprising compared with current housing prices in the city, especially considering that the lot includes more than 100,000 square metres of land and the exclusive right to use the name «Casino de la Rabassada» for cultural and recreational activities.

The announcement, published on property portals, has aroused the curiosity of those who dream of bringing life back to this site, which was a symbol of luxury and fun in Barcelona at the beginning of the 20th century. Inaugurated in 1911 with a gala party for 300 guests, the casino had a high-end hotel decorated by Lechevallier Chevignard, a French-cuisine restaurant and even an amusement park with a roller coaster, which came to be the envy of Europe.

History, however, was not kind to the building. The prohibition on gambling in 1929 marked the beginning of its decline. During the Civil War, the site was transformed into an air-raid shelter and an improvised barracks. Finally, in 1940, most of the complex was demolished and nature covered what remained, leaving only ruins and staircases consumed by moss, now turned into a destination for urban explorers and the curious.

Despite its current state, the estate retains its protection as a listed farmhouse within the Parque de Collserola. This limits the possible uses of the main building, which may only be devoted to craft, artistic or research activities. The construction of homes and conventional tourist exploitation are not permitted, making the space an ideal place for creative workshops, recording studios or innovation centres surrounded by nature and privileged views over Barcelona.

The future of the Casino de la Rabassada is in the hands of whoever dares to imagine new uses for this sleeping giant. Meanwhile, its ruins remain a place for walks and legend, where the echoes of a Barcelona that now exists only in collective memory still resound.

The Casino de la Rabassada was one of the most ambitious projects of Barcelona's Belle Époque. Its strategic location, halfway between the city and the mountains, made it a meeting point for high society and the setting for legendary parties. Although the passage of time and political changes put an end to its splendour, the place continues to fascinate because of its history and its potential as a cultural space. Today, the estate represents both a planning challenge and an opportunity for those seeking to reinvent Barcelona's heritage without losing its essence.

Updated · 9 March 2026 History: Grand Hotel inaugurated in 1899, casino Andreu Audet Puig + attractions (pioneering European roller coaster) in 1911. Gambling prohibited in 1929, Civil War shelter/barracks, demolition in 1940. Remain ruins, staircases, sulphurous springs, transformer building with caryatid. Free of encumbrances, electricity tower inspected, road access improved.

Restrictions/protection: Collserola Farmhouse Catalogue, authorised rehabilitation for recording studios/art workshops/marketing of estate products. No homes/conventional tourism. Catalan family owners via Ajuntament Sant Cugat/Parc Collserola.