Matheu House

Matheu House, also known as Segarra House, is one of the earliest and most significant examples of Modernist architecture in Tortosa. Located at the junction of Teodor González Street and Cervantes Street, it occupies a prominent position at the entrance to the city's Eixample district, directly opposite Brunet House, in an area that reflects Tortosa's urban transformation during the early twentieth century.

This location corresponds to the historic Coll de Sant Joan, where the medieval walls and later fortifications once marked the southern boundary of the city. Following the demolition of these defensive structures in the late nineteenth century, a new urban extension connected the historic centre with the railway station, giving rise to an elegant district filled with Modernist and Noucentista buildings that continue to define the character of this part of Tortosa.

Designed in 1907 by the architect Pau Monguió i Segura, Matheu House is one of the first buildings he created in the city and already displays many of the architectural features that would later define his work. The building combines elegance, functionality and refined decoration, making it one of the key landmarks of Tortosa's Modernist heritage.

Its façades overlook two streets and are distinguished by rusticated masonry, which gives the building a sense of solidity and grandeur. The corner is resolved with an elegant chamfer, crowned by a magnificent bay window on the principal floor. This is undoubtedly the building's most distinctive feature. Its large windows, framed by a graceful multifoil arch and filled with colourful stained glass, are an outstanding example of Modernist design applied to residential architecture.

Another striking feature is the bold curved roofline that crowns both the façades and the chamfered corner. Flowing lines, high-quality materials and the harmonious balance between structure and decoration demonstrate Pau Monguió's vision of creating architecture that was both innovative and beautifully integrated into Tortosa's expanding urban landscape.

Although the interior retains an elaborate period decoration, the building is privately owned and is not open to visitors. Nevertheless, its exceptional façade and prominent location allow visitors to appreciate one of the city's finest early Modernist buildings from the public space.

Today, Matheu House remains one of the most distinctive façades in Tortosa's Eixample district. Its elegant corner bay window, striking curved roofline and historical significance make it an essential landmark for anyone interested in discovering the city's Modernist architecture.