If we're talking about going back in time, “Horta de Sant Joan” is one of those places that will take you back to medieval times through its streets and architecture, and where you'll get to know rural tourism from a different point of view.
To help you find your way around, the town is located in Tarragona and forms part of the Highlands region, bordering on Bajo Aragon, and is also part of the incredible setting of the “Ports” Natural Park, where you can spend a wonderful day hiking, cycling or even caving for the most adventurous ones.
Shall we tell you something of its history? Different cultures have lived and passed through its lands, having as one of its first references, an ancient Roman settlement in the “Rocas de Benet”, in the upper part of the village.
But if we talk about its current appearance, this is almost entirely of medieval origin, a period in which it lived its greatest splendour.
We also must point out its shadows in history, since, sadly, this area was the scene of the Battle of the “Ebro” in 1938, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
If we're talking about going back in time, “Horta de Sant Joan” is one of those places that will take you back to medieval times through its streets and architecture, and where you'll get to know rural tourism from a different point of view.
On one hand, if we refer to its heritage among its narrow stone alleys, one of the landmark buildings is the Town Hall, a beautiful Renaissance building erected in the 14th century on arcades, a characteristic that is very common throughout the old town. But this building is not the only one like this, as the “Casa Clúa” or the “Casa del Diezmo”, also known as the “Comanda”, are examples of Renaissance buildings.
On the other hand, perhaps the most fascinating monuments you will find is the Church of “San Juan Bautista”, next to the town hall, which stands out with a robust Gothic-style figure, built in the 12th century on the edge of the “Barranco del Turó” ravine.
Monuments can also be found on the outskirts, in particular the Franciscan Convent of “Sant Salvador”, on the mountain from which it takes its name. Its location alone makes it an enclave not to be missed, but its views are astonishing. Its origins date back to the 14th century, although, unfortunately, and despite being an Asset of Cultural Interest, part of the complex is in ruins.
Although if there is one thing that left its mark, even in its current heritage, it's the figure of Picasso, since, in one of his bad stages, he was invited to “Horta de Sant Joan” to spend a long period of time. The painter was impressed by this beautiful village, to which he returned on one occasion. As a result of this relationship, the Picasso Centre was born, which exhibits part of his works as a tribute to him.
A great part of the basis of its economy is related to nature, as it is an area dedicated to the olive and fruit trees cultivation, together with the production of wines, while highlighting the mistral, a drink prepared with grape must, to which alcohol is added and which has a pleasant sweet taste.
And since we are talking about local products, shall we talk about its gastronomy? Some of the best-known dishes are battered kid or wild boar civet, a stew with a red wine sauce in which every last bit of the spongy bread baked in a wood-fired oven is basted.
Its sweets are not far behind, as the pastries and mantecados are the finishing touch to a delicious meal.
By now you will have fallen in love with this little village and will want to stay for more than a day, so are you wondering where to sleep? Rural tourism is the most widespread option, where you will find everything from beautiful stone houses to cosy flats, or cosy hotels, all with the sole purpose of offering the perfect resting place for travellers.
