Can Masdeu () is a squatted social centre, residence and community garden in the Collserola Park on the outskirts of Barcelona. The building, owned by Sant Pau hospital, was occupied by international activists in 2001 after being abandoned for roughly 53 years. On most Sundays from late September to early June, there is an open house and guided tour in which residents explain community living, consensus-based decision-making, ecological gardening and living, and the functioning of the social center. There is a collective meal and around 100 people come up to participate in free activities related to ecology, activism, and self-sufficiency. The name Can Masdeu Can means "property of" and "Masdeu" comes from the Masdeu family who once inhabited the farmhouse at the center of the valley. Thus, Can Masdeu can refer to any of the following: the masia - a traditional Iberian patriarchal mansion or plantation house the valley, or the community gardens which inhabit it the community of squatters the social center or the ecological project associated with it. the nunnery or leper hospital which once inhabited the masia and the valley. Grounds, location, and early history The grounds governed by the squat include almost a hectare of land in use as gardens, an abandoned nunnery, and hospital facility, and about of mostly hilly forests. The building spans four floors and is draped over the side of a hill. It includes 24 different rooms of various sizes including a large hall. Can Masdeu is located up the hill from the Canyelles L3 Metro station in Barcelona. There is a sign for it before the walk up a dirt road to the site. The building was built on an ancient Roman site and was surrounded by vineyards before the city expanded into Nou Barris. Of the existing structure, first the temple (masia) was completed in the 17th century. In the early 20th century the living units, common space, and kitchen were added. After functioning as a nunnery for some years, the facility was converted into a leper hospital. It was ultimately shuttered and abandoned in 1948. Fear of leprosy may have been a factor in this large facility being left vacant for over half a century. Occupation and legal status An international group of activists spent over a year searching in Barcelona for the best location to occupy and in December 2001 they moved onto the abandoned hospital. The aim