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For other uses of this term, see Mas (disambiguation). A more fortified located in Vall-llobrega, Gerona.

Mas (plural masos) is the name given to traditional agricultural holdings in Catalonia, including land and agricultural and residential buildings. The term derives from the Latin mansus meaning to remain.

It originated in the high Middle Ages and developed mainly in the regions of Old Catalonia, especially in Solsones, Berguedá, La Garrocha and Ripollés. In these areas, the orography of the land forced the feudal lords to divide their lands to obtain greater economic benefits. They used to be located in semi-mountainous areas (generally, up to 1,500 meters high) where the natural terraces could be used for varied exploitations.

The feudal masses used to be exploited by a family, the "masovers", who worked and resided in the most by means of a lease. In case of wanting to leave it, the tenants had to pay a redemption to the owner of the lands (remensa). One peasant could have several masos of the same lord himself. In this case, the main one was called capmàs. It was also called more small private farms, exempt from lordly charges, intended for family subsistence ("more aloer").

The constructions of the mas were located within the area of ​​crops. The main building divided its plants for various uses. The upper served as a barn; in the main the house was located; while on the ground floor were the pantry, the oven and the cellar. In addition, other constructions annexed served like stable, henhouse or space destined to beat the straw. They had a well or a cistern that served to provide water for exploitation.

During the fourteenth century, due to the various epidemics, especially that of plague in 1348, many masses were abandoned ("rônecs masses"). Generally the houses were not inhabited again while the lands were integrated in emphiteusis to those of other masses.

From the XV century the structure of the mas extended throughout the rest of Catalonia. The Catalan peasantry lived a period of special prosperity, especially after the Judgment of Guadalupe, which placed their properties in the spotlight of pirates and bandits. For this reason, during the 16th and 17th centuries, many masses were fortified to avoid being attacked.

In some regions the larger masses were called masias which has led to some confusion between the two terms.

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