San Juan Hermitage

INFORMATION OF INTEREST

The San Juan or Sant Joan Hermitage is the most famous of the “Conquest Hermitages” of the 15th Century, which exemplifies the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its central body has a unique Gothic style. It has a nave with a rectangular floor plan, with a gable roof supported by two Gothic type pointed arches.

The access doorway is formed by a semi-circular arch and the main façade is crowned by a steeple. The Hermitage house is currently used as a Sacristy. It is attached to the original building and is the result of the refurbishment of the early Christian hermitage. We highlight that it served as a refuge for the “Negres” (Black) Brotherhood: Christian African Slave converts.

Friar Pedro (Pare Pere), who was honoured by another hermitage built in his name, meditated in this spot.

LOCATION

In the southern slope of Mt. Montgó, in the starting-point of Sant Joan. It is accessed by the roads: “Pou de la Muntanya” or the Camí de Sant Joan.

ITINERARY

Hiking Route:

• Difficulty: Low
• Duration: 30 min.
• Travel distance: 2 Km.

We begin our hike from the calle Diana, located in the Historiador Chabás Park in the direction of Montgó Natural Park. We reach a junction where we find a level crossing which we cross and continue on the Camí de Sant Joan. We pass a roundabout and take the second exit on the right as we continue on Camí de Sant Joan. From this point at approx. 850 m. we reach a fork in the road where we see a central islet with a large carob tree, which has a sign to the Hermitage attached to it, we take the road on the right which continues to be Camí de Sant Joan. At approx. 600 m. we reach a junction, right in front there is an ascending road called Camí Vell de l’Ermita, on which we travel 100 m and then, we take the road on the right called Camí Nou de l’Ermita. We continue about 200 m without leaving the paved road; at the end of it, we find the Hermitage on our left. Having reached this point, we can enjoy breathtaking views of Dénia and its surroundings up to the sea, which inspire contemplation.

Address: Camí de Sant Joan