The Maricel complex is made up of several buildings arranged on both sides of Fonollar Street and joined by a bridge. They are two large blocks known as Maricel de Mar and Maricel de Terra, and they were built with artistic elements from various periods and styles.
Maricel de Mar is built on the rocks.
The tower facing the bastion is a remarkable element. It has battlements, semi-circular arch access door, cone-shaped window and the image of the Archangel Saint Michael. Maricel de Terra is made up of a set of buildings with an irregular layout that are located between Fonollar, Sant Joan and La Davallada Streets. In this sector it is necessary to mention the "Recó de la Calma", with the access door and the capitals.
The capitals, made by the sculptor Pere Jou, form a series of fifty with varied themes: fables, characters from the beginning of the 20th century, traditions, etc.
In 1910, Charles Deering acquired the building of the old hospital of Saint John the Baptist, which had been built in the 14th century and enlarged in the 19th century with the aim of transforming it, along with other buildings, into a residence-museum. Miquel Utrillo oversaw the works, as well as being the administrator. The building was built with architectural elements from various origins and periods and already in 1913 contained important artistic pieces. On 18-10-1915 the Great Hall was inaugurated. In 1921, Charles Deering left for the United States with a large part of Maricel's works, which remained empty for many years. In 1932, the Board of Museums of Barcelona decided to reuse Maricel as a museum, which was inaugurated on 14-6-1936. The building is currently owned by the City Council and the County Council and is mainly dedicated to artistic and cultural activities.
Capitals
In 1915 the Barcelona sculptor Pere Jou arrived in Sitges called by Miquel Utrillo with the purpose of decorating the Maricel buildings with a set of about fifty capitals. The artist completed the commission and subsequently settled permanently in the town.
At present, the capitals, some of which had been badly damaged, are in the process of restoration.
