Casa Moix: an architectural symbol of Calaceite
Discover the history and details of Casa Moix, an emblematic building that inspired the Pueblo Español in Barcelona and its singular balcony balustrade.
The fascinating history and architecture of Casa Moix
Casa Moix, strategically positioned to split the ascent of les Roquetes into two streets, is a building that immediately captures attention with its impressive balcony balustrade, masterfully supported by decorated consoles. This constructive style, where the corner rises as the main facade housing this characteristic balustrade and its central console, is unusual and gives the house an unmistakable singularity.
It was precisely this peculiarity, combined with its robust construction using large ashlar blocks and lintels with conopial ornamentation, that distinguished it and led to its selection for reproduction at the Pueblo Español in Barcelona. This honour took place on the occasion of the organisation of the Universal Exhibition of 1929, a testament to the architectural value of Casa Moix. Alongside it, Casa Jassà, located on the Square, was also recreated.
Architectural details of the facade
This magnificent corner building rises with two ashlar facades and consists of four floors that tell its constructive history:
Ground Floor: It is distinguished by its doorway, an imposing round arch with large voussoirs, whose date of 1767 is carved, marking the beginning of its legacy.
First Floor: Just above the doorway, two small windows with sills and a conopial design open up, flanking the large continuous balcony that wraps around the corner of the building. Its stone projection is supported by decorated consoles, also in ashlar masonry, making it one of its most iconic elements.
Curiosities about the architecture of Casa Moix
On the second floor, on either side of the facade, two balconies with moulded bases open up, and between them stands a balcony with a large projection and consoles. On the upper floor, an Aragonese gallery appears with three round arches, larger than usual, and an interior wooden balustrade. The lateral facade of the building is a large ashlar wall with few window openings, giving it a striking visual effect due to the prominence of the solid mass. This facade also features a stone cornice with mouldings that adds an additional decorative touch to the building.
Upper galleries and details
Continuing the exploration of its singular architecture:
Second Floor: On either side of the main facade, two balconies with moulded bases open up. Between them, a balcony with a large projection, also supported by consoles, adds depth and elegance to the whole.
Upper Floor: A singular Aragonese gallery, composed of three round arches, crowns the building. These arches, larger than usual, frame an interior wooden balustrade, creating a visually striking crowning feature.
The lateral facade of Casa Moix is a robust ashlar wall with few window openings, a feature that accentuates the prominence of the solid mass and creates a visual effect of solidity and grandeur. This facade is also adorned with a moulded stone cornice, which provides an additional decorative detail and unifies the overall design of the building, cementing it as a fundamental piece of Calaceite's heritage.
Historical and urban context
Calaceite stands out architecturally for the complexity of its urban structure, with two original elevated nuclei, la Torreta and el Castell, and for its abundance of manor houses. Throughout the 18th century and the early 19th century there was a period of architectural efflorescence in which many houses were built or renovated, as in this case; this can be observed in the dates on the coats of arms of many doorways. This concentration is a clear indication of a period of economic prosperity — Calaceite has historically been the largest producer in the area — and coincides with a long period of peace after suffering harsh raids during the Catalan revolt (1643) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1706).
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