The ruined medieval sanctuary 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 (the Alt Urgell), was a medieval sanctuary that was destroyed in 1936. It is tradition that the vescomte Arnau de Castellbò brought the Holy Grail to Sant Joan de l'Erm Vell in 1208, but there is no conclusive documentation from the medieval period that speaks undisputably of the origins of Sant Joan de l'Erm Vell. The temple that existed prior to the 1936 fire appears 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 served as a hospital and accommodations. Sant Joan de l'Erm Vell was administered by the cabiscol of the collegiate church of Castellbò and the mayor and councilors of the town. After its destruction, it was rebuilt five kilometers from the original site as Sant Joan de l'Erm Nou. Today, only remains of buildings in ruins can be found at Sant Joan de l'Erm Vell. The most significant remain is a façade with an arc doorway.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons