The ruins of Sant Joan de l'Erm Vell

Sant Joan de l'Erm Vell, located between the villages of Romadriu and Montenartró in Montferrer i Castellbó (l'Alt Urgell), was a sanctuary destroyed in 1936. While it is tradition that the vescomte Arnau de Castellbò brought a sacred object there in 1208, there is no indisputable documentation from the medieval period that speaks of the origins of the site. According to preserved photographs, the temple that existed prior to the 1936 fire appeared to be more modern in nature rather than medieval.

The earliest known mention of the hospital at Sant Joan de l'Erm Vell dates to 1519, and until its destruction, it preserved its function as a hospital and a place of shelter. The sanctuary was administered by the cabiscol of the collegiate church of Castellbò and the mayor and councilors of the town.

In 1936, the building was burned down and was not rebuilt in the same location. Instead, Sant Joan de l'Erm Nou was built five kilometers away. Today, only remains of buildings in ruins can be found at the site. The most significant remains are from a façade where a doorway with a semi-circular arch opens.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons