Can Morgat’s Story: A Journey Through Time

Can Morgat’s known story begins in 1250, when the Monastery of Sant Esteve of Banyoles expanded its reach by acquiring the Castle of Porqueres and its surrounding lands. Among these was Vilamorgat — a name that stirs curiosity, hinting at the deep connection to the Morgat family, whose legacy defines the estate to this day. Historical records preserved in the Municipal Archive of Banyoles provide a fascinating glimpse into this enduring legacy. The story of Can Morgat is more than a tale of a historical estate — it is a story of a name carried through centuries, growing richer with every generation.

Two Estates, One Legacy

By the 14th century, Can Morgat’s name was firmly etched into the history of Porqueres. Records from this time speak of two distinct estates: Morgat d’Amunt (Upper Morgat) and Morgat d’Avall (Lower Morgat). While both estates played their part in shaping the Morgat family’s legacy, fate had a different plan for each.

The devastating earthquakes of 1427–1428 reshaped the land, submerging large portions of Morgat d’Amunt. As nature claimed the upper estate, Morgat d’Avall — the Can Morgat we know today — became the heart of the family’s story. It was here that generations of Morgats cultivated the land, tended their animals, and wove themselves into the history of the region.

The Morgat Family: Farmers, Visionaries, and Community Pillars

Starting as farmers under the Monastery of Sant Esteve, the Morgat family grew into respected figures within the local community. By 1446, the estate was owned by Joan Morgat, who in 1448 declared himself a remensa (a peasant under serfdom) of the abbot of Banyoles, marking the beginning of the Morgats' documented stewardship of the estate. Ownership passed through multiple generations, including Pere Morgat (1506), Martirià Morgat (1682), Pere Morgat (1776), Martirià Morgat i Frigola (1801), and Agustí Morgat (1861). Each generation left its mark, embodying values of resilience, adaptability, and leadership.

The Morgats didn’t only tend their lands — they forged connections with prominent families in the region. Through marriages, they allied themselves with influential households such as the Trull and Palau of Banyoles, Vilar and Collferrer of Porqueres, Rodeja of Merlant, Frigola of Mata, Rovira of Sant Miquel de Campmajor, and Ordis of Usall. These unions strengthened their social standing and extended their influence, enabling the family to play a meaningful role in the cultural and political life of Porqueres and its neighbouring areas.

By 1515, Pere Morgat held the esteemed position of church warden at Santa María of Porqueres, reflecting the family’s growing prominence. Another notable family member, Baldiri Morgat, served as a priest in Porqueres, Centenys, and later as parish priest of Constantins (Sant Gregori). In 1595, he established a charitable foundation to provide dowries for unmarried women of the Morgat household, a gesture that underscores the family’s sense of care, responsibility, and generosity.

Courage and Leadership in Times of War

The Morgats demonstrated remarkable courage and leadership during periods of conflict, particularly in the French War (1808–1814). Brothers Josep and Tomàs Morgat Frigola stood against Napoleonic forces with unwavering determination. Josep rose to the rank of commander and later served as a mathematics professor at a prestigious military academy. Tomàs, despite suffering capture and deportation to France, achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. Their bravery, resilience, and dedication exemplify the indomitable spirit of the Morgat legacy.

The Transition to Banyoles and Beyond

The Morgat family’s influence extended far beyond the battlefield. By the mid-19th century, they transitioned from their rural roots at Can Morgat to a more urban life in Banyoles. Agustí Morgat i Trull, a pivotal figure in this shift, married Maria Antònia Coll Palau Llinàs, heiress to the Palau estate in Banyoles. This union elevated the family into new social and economic spheres, with Agustí serving as a city councillor in Banyoles on multiple occasions (1844, 1854, 1859, and 1865). His civic contributions played a vital role in shaping the town during a transformative period in its history.

Agustí’s son, Martirià Morgat i Coll, emerged as a prominent figure in the conservative and Carlist circles of Banyoles. His marriage to Dolors Torras i Rovira, heiress to the Torras family’s papermaking enterprise, further strengthened the Morgats’ influence. Together, they co-owned the Torras & Morgat paper factory, located at Molí Nou — a site that later became the birthplace of Chocolates Torras, a cherished brand that thrives to this day. This entrepreneurial venture highlights the Morgats’ adaptability and innovative spirit, as they seamlessly carried their legacy into new ventures.

Though the family eventually ceased to reside at Can Morgat, their mark on the estate and the surrounding region endures. From their origins as farmers to their roles as soldiers, priests, and entrepreneurs, the Morgats embodied resilience, vision, and a deep connection to their heritage. Their story enriches Can Morgat’s historical narrative, inspiring us to honour and preserve the legacy they left behind.

The Changing Landscape of Can Morgat

For centuries, Can Morgat thrived as a bustling agricultural estate, covering 136 vesanas (a traditional Catalan land measure roughly equivalent to 655 square metres per vesana), amounting to approximately 89 hectares. These lands comprised cultivated fields, olive groves, vineyards, forests, meadows, wetlands, and wastelands, reflecting the estate’s remarkable diversity. Its natural spring even supplied water to Banyoles, underscoring Can Morgat’s vital role in sustaining the surrounding region.

The estate’s influence extended far beyond its agricultural productivity. Can Morgat lent its name to the Bosc de Can Morgat (Can Morgat Forest), the Riera de Can Morgat (Can Morgat Stream), and the Llacunes de Can Morgat (Can Morgat Lagoons) — a tranquil network of wetlands created through conservation efforts. These lagoons, including notable features like the Llacuna d’en Margarit and Llacuna de l’Aulina, have become a sanctuary for wildlife.

Over time, the estate’s vast lands were gradually divided, with portions transitioning into the hands of other owners. By the mid-20th century, Can Morgat encompassed approximately 23 hectares before eventually shrinking to the 8 hectares it holds today.

A Place of Beauty and Reflection

Jaume Farriol i Montserrat, a writer from Banyoles, offered this grounded yet evocative description of Can Morgat in his book titled 'Banyoles vora el llac' (1966):

"To the right, the steep slope of Can Morgat’s elongated hill rises sharply. More trees, herbs, forest. To exhaust all possibilities, you must climb the slope almost on all fours. From the top, the expanse of water seems to lie literally at your feet. (...) In front of the estate of Can Morgat, a large and ancient building, though restored a few years ago, you can pause for a moment. (...) To the right, a meadow of fine and shiny grass. In front, a long stretch without shade, a horizontal expanse that remains unbroken until the curve where the ascent to Porqueres begins."

This description captures the serene simplicity and timeless character of Can Morgat. Jaume's words serve as a reminder that Can Morgat is not merely a historical artifact, but a living place — one that continues to inspire with its natural beauty and peaceful presence.

Visual History of Can Morgat

A collection of historical photos of Can Morgat, dating from 1910 to the 1970s, sourced from the Catalan archive, capture moments frozen in time.

Join Us in Preserving Can Morgat’s History

As we continue to explore Can Morgat’s past, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery. Every piece of information, no matter how small, is a valuable thread in the rich tapestry of Can Morgat's history. Whether it is a tale passed down through generations, an old photograph capturing a fleeting moment, or any other piece of historical insight, we would be deeply grateful if you shared it with us, helping us complete the puzzle of Can Morgat’s story.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Maarten & Monika