Ermita de Sant Joan de Blanes

Ermita de Sant Joan de Blanes is a small hilltop chapel standing beside the walls of Sant Joan Castle (also called Castell de Forcadell) above the town of Blanes, at roughly 170 metres above sea level. The site pairs a working religious shrine with the remains of a medieval watchtower, and today it draws visitors mainly for the view over the Costa Brava coastline.

How did the chapel and castle above Blanes come about?

The earliest record of Sant Joan Castle dates to the year 1001, making it one of the older defensive positions on this stretch of coast. The stone tower still standing on the hilltop was built in the mid-13th century as a lookout point, meant to spot pirate ships approaching the shore and warn the residents of Blanes in time. From the 14th century onward, the fortification formed part of a defensive chain along the Tordera river, working together with the viscounts' palace (Palau Vescomtal) to shield the northern approach to Barcelona.

Why does the chapel stand outside the castle walls?

The hermitage served as the castle's chapel, but limited space inside the fortification meant it had to be built just outside the walls instead. Records place its existence as far back as the 13th century, and a document from 1377 mentions a chaplain assigned to look after the chapel attached to the castle. This layout — a place of worship functioning a few steps from a military structure — was a common arrangement for coastal strongholds of the period.

What was the pilgrimage to Sant Joan about?

During the 17th century the site became the destination of an annual pilgrimage tied to the feast of Saint John the Baptist, celebrated on 24 June. Guillem and Guillema Maria, a couple who held lordship over Blanes, set up an endowment worth 350 pounds to guarantee ongoing funding for worship at the chapel. That arrangement kept the hermitage active as a place of prayer, rather than leaving it as a mere ruin next to an abandoned fort.

What do the restorations reveal about the interior?

The building went through two notable restoration campaigns in the 20th century. In 1959 the roof was rebuilt, and local artist Maria Teresa Bedós painted the frescoes that decorate the chapel's interior. A further restoration in 1991 covered the hermitage alongside the entire castle complex, repairing sections of the walls and improving access to the lookout tower.

What can you see from the viewpoint by the chapel?

The terrace next to the hermitage and the castle tower offer one of the best vantage points over Blanes. From here the view stretches over the town's harbour and the distinctive Sa Palomera rock, and on clear days it reaches as far as the Gavarres range, the Montseny massif, and even Montjuïc hill in Barcelona. The landscape, more than the architecture itself, is the main draw for most visitors.

How do you get to the hermitage, and is entry free?

Access to the hilltop is free — there is no ticket for either the castle grounds or the chapel — and a small parking area sits at the base of the hill. The walk up follows a path leading from town, typically taking a bit over ten minutes depending on pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hermitage open to visitors year-round? The outdoor hilltop area is accessible all year, though the chapel's interior is usually closed except for occasional services and the feast day on 24 June.

How long does the walk up from the parking area take? Depending on your pace, the path up the hill takes roughly ten to twenty minutes on foot.

Is it worth combining the visit with Sant Joan Castle? Yes — the chapel and the castle sit right next to each other, so most visitors see both during the same short outing.

Is there an entrance fee? No, access to the hilltop, the castle, and the grounds around the hermitage is free of charge.