Topography. Rediscovering Stories. The Governor's Tower.

Working in the gardens that lie between the estates of Can Bernadas, Can Xeco Monnar and The Governor's Tower In Alella, beyond the technology and mathematical formulas that will allow us to convert all the important elements into a vector format for a future space rehabilitation project, it could be one of those reasons why the work of a surveyor is worthwhile. We, unlike the privileged few who were able to enjoy its walks and pathways in good company—among plane trees, cedars, lakes, and fountains—tread it knowing we won't end up having a drink in the gazebo, pursued by the relentless tiger mosquito that has made itself the master and lord of the place.

 That said, making a topographical survey of it means walking it inch by inch, noticing remnants of statues, basins and fountains, small gardens, native and non-native trees, and imagining the purpose of each element we encounter. We're also surprised by details that Modernisme left in this spot, such as the entrance towers on the stream, the work of the architect General Guitart and Lostaló (1859–1926) and some underground corridors, where my imagination leads me to think it was a way to show off to guests, like someone who now has a jacuzzi in the garden or something like that. In fact, in one of those passages, now sealed off, there was a fishbowl with natural light coming in from the ceiling, like a skylight that must have made it clear to the guests the owner's good taste and the size of his wallet.

   Another thing is the parallel stories that accompany some of the places we walk through, which embellish the original history with either glamour or fantastic tales that undoubtedly make the work much more enjoyable. We had only just started working there, and as is often the case, as soon as we set up our street stall, there's always someone who can't resist, seeing us as outsiders, and feels the need to enlighten us a bit. The first thing they asked was what we were doing there, then immediately went on to tell us that an Almodóvar film had been shot there. «La mala educación» (2004), where a boarding school from the Franco era was reenacted.

 We also weren't indifferent to the fact that during the work we saw quite a few curious people who found something fascinating about this place; stories of spiritism and ghosts accompany this neoclassical building. You'll find related videos online (warning: it's a bit scary!!!)

 The main building is currently boarded up to prevent vandalism, just as many elements of the surrounding area have suffered, from destroying this structure, which will surely find someone who can give it new life.