THE The Casa Vidua Marfà Building

The Escola Universitària Formatic Barcelona (EUFB) is a prestigious university institution located in the center of Barcelona in a listed historical building at Passeig de Gràcia avenue nº 66. This article investigates the origins and characteristics of the Casa Vidua Marfà, the current headquarters of the EUFB, retracing its history and that of the families who made it a reality. A period that goes from the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century at a time when Catalan traders known as ‘Indians’ left their mark on the architecture, gastronomy and traditions of Catalonia. The analysis of Casa Vidua Marfà constitutes an exponent of that period when Catalan merchants tended to set sail when they were young and poor and go to the Americas, especially to Cuba and Puerto Rico, in search of new job opportunities. Back from their journey abroad, if successful, ‘Indians’ continued to invest in businesses and industries throughout Catalonia and, in this particular case, contributing to the urbanization process in the center of Barcelona.