Basalt cliffs, waterways and medieval buildings give Sant Joan Les Fonts a distinctive character. Two different route options lead through a volcanic rock landscape or follow the water for much of the way. The town also features traces of its industrial history and Romanesque architecture.
Basalt and water on two routes
The Ruta de les 3 colades i les cingleres de basalt is footpath no. 16 in the Parc Natural de la Zona VolcĂ nica de la Garrotxa. It passes through the basalt cliff area, including BoscarrĂł and Cingles de Fontfreda. The cliffs formed as lava flows from different volcanoes cooled. The route also includes riverside woodland with botanically valuable species.
There is a short version of this route, taking 20 minutes, and a long version, taking 1 hour and 45 minutes. This gives you two distinctly different time options; actual walking time may vary depending on trail conditions. Another option is the Ruta fonts i verlets, a route created by the municipality and part of the ItinerĂ nnia network. Water accompanies the route for almost its entire length. It passes numerous springs, as well as restored canals and irrigation channels. The routes therefore differ mainly in their landscape themes: basalt and volcanic origins on one, springs and waterways on the other.
A municipal notice dated 12 August 2026 reported that the Ruta de les Tres Colades had fully reopened following inspection and repair work. Check the current trail status before setting out. Access to MolĂ Fondo remained closed because of damage caused by winter storms; check current access arrangements before visiting.
Industrial history on the Riu FluviĂ
MolĂ Fondo is a former industrial paper mill on the banks of the Riu FluviĂ ; its existence is documented from 1723. The mill housed the Torraspapel operation until a new production facility opened a few metres away in 1966. Up to three superimposed lava flows can be seen at MolĂ Fondo. Industrial history and geology can therefore be observed in the same place, without requiring a particular order for your visit.
Another part of the town’s history is Fà brica La Sebastiana, which operated as a textile factory until 1974. This means the area’s industrial history extends beyond paper manufacturing. The histories of the two factories also differ in terms of dates: Molà Fondo is documented from 1723, while La Sebastiana ceased operating in 1974.
Monastery, fortified house and bridge
The Monestir de Sant Joan les Fonts is a medieval Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century; its history goes back to around 958. A Romanesque church with a basilica-style layout and three naves—a central nave and two side aisles—has been preserved. The monastery also houses a replica of the Majestat de Sant Joan les Fonts. The polychrome wood carving dates from the 12th century; the replica and the original are two separate objects.
The Estada Juvinyà is a medieval fortified house and was the residence of the Juvinyà knightly family. Its main façade connects a 12th-century tower with the rest of the residence, which was added in the 14th century. The building houses the Garrotxa’s first interpretation centre. If you plan to visit the centre, check the current visiting arrangements.
The Pont de Sant Joan les Fonts also tells a story of construction and its former function. The medieval bridge dates from the 12th century and is built of volcanic rock. A large central arch and two side arches define its structure. In the Middle Ages, it served as a strategic crossing and as a transport link between the Pyrenees and the Catalan coast.
Sant Joan Les Fonts as a place to stay
When looking for accommodation in Sant Joan Les Fonts, the focus you want for your stay can help guide your choice of destination: the routes offer different landscape themes, while the monastery, fortified house, bridge and former factories reveal architectural and industrial history. This gives you the chance to decide in advance whether you would rather spend your time on trails and geology or exploring historic buildings and former production sites.
Discover more destinations: Navata, L'armentera, Fortià , Vilobà D'onyar, Beget, La Cellera De Ter, Maçanet De La Selva, La Pera.
For the overview of the wider area: Girona.
