Horta de Sant Joan

Horta de Sant Joan sits on a small hill with a natural spring near its summit — a practical advantage through centuries of siege, since inhabitants never had to venture outside the walls for water. The site attracted settlers from the Iberian period onward, followed by the Romans. During the medieval period the town passed through Muslim rule, which lasted roughly four centuries and left a lasting mark: olive trees planted during that era still stand today. Christians later reconquered it, and it went on to develop as a distinct municipality.

The town's modern fame rests largely on its connection to Pablo Picasso. Born here was Manuel Pallarés, who became one of Picasso's closest friends, and Picasso himself spent time in Horta during his youth in 1897–98 and returned again in 1909 to develop his proto-cubism, producing many paintings and drawings on both visits. He is quoted as saying: "Everything I know, I learned in Horta." A Centro Picasso now hosts exhibitions, symposiums and publications dedicated to his work.

The old town was declared a protected cultural heritage site of national interest in 1997.

The historic centre holds a collection of notable buildings: the town hall, and several traditional houses including Casa Havanero, Casa Pepo, Casa Colau, Casa Pascualet and Casa Don Pedro. The Church of San Juan Bautista stands alongside the Abbot's House and the Casa de la Comanda. The former hospital building now houses the Centro Picasso.

Other landmarks include the Convent of San Salvador, Casa Pessetes and the Torre del Prior. The surrounding natural park of Els Ports lies within the municipal area.