Sant Joan de la Font

Sant Joan de la Font is a small sanctuary paired with a roadside spring, set within the municipality of Riudaura in the Garrotxa region of Girona province. The site combines a modest chapel of Romanesque origin with a stone-built spring, making it one of those quiet corners of Catalonia where sacred architecture meets the surrounding landscape.

How old is this place?

The original structure dates back to the 12th century, when the first Romanesque building was raised on the site. It didn't stay untouched, though — an extensive renovation in the 18th century reshaped the building, and it's that later, eighteenth-century form that visitors encounter today. A Romanesque core hidden beneath a later layer is a common pattern among Catalonia's rural chapels, many of which served local communities for generations and were rebuilt or expanded as needs changed.

What does the chapel look like from the outside?

The building's east-facing façade is its most distinctive feature, holding three separate entrances. The first of these leads directly into the chapel itself. Interestingly, the sacred structure is partly folded into an adjoining house, so from the outside it isn't immediately obvious that this is a place of worship — its interior can only be glimpsed through a couple of small windows.

What's at the spring next to the chapel?

Facing the building stands the Font de Joan, or Joan's Spring, a feature that for many visitors is just as much a draw as the chapel itself. Water flows from a stone spout into a round basin, then continues on to further round basins arranged on either side. Above the spout sits an image of the Virgin with the Christ Child, which gives the whole spot a clearly devotional character — the spring isn't simply a practical water source but part of the sacred space itself.

Are there any celebrations held here?

Yes — every June, the site hosts a traditional aplec, a local gathering that blends religious observance with a communal outdoor celebration, a format common across rural Catalonia. Events of this kind usually pair a Mass or service at the chapel with a picnic and time spent outdoors, and the presence of fresh spring water naturally makes the surroundings well suited to that kind of gathering.

Who is this place for?

Sant Joan de la Font suits travelers who appreciate the quieter, less touristy corners of the Garrotxa region — an area best known for its volcanic park, but also home to a scattering of small Romanesque chapels tucked into the surrounding hills and valleys. There's no elaborate tourist infrastructure or polished heritage display here; the appeal lies instead in the authenticity of the setting, where stone, water, and centuries of religious tradition come together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sant Joan de la Font located? It sits within the municipality of Riudaura, in the Garrotxa region of Girona province, Catalonia.

How old is the chapel? The original building is Romanesque, dating to the 12th century, though its current appearance comes from an 18th-century renovation.

What is the Font de Joan? It's a stone spring facing the chapel, where water flows into a round basin beneath an image of the Virgin and Child.

Are there any events held at the site? Yes, a traditional aplec — a local gathering combining religious observance and an outdoor communal celebration — takes place there every June.