Pedra Gravada

This small stone might not catch your eye at first. But since 1965, it’s been listed as a historical monument by the city. Yes — just this little piece of white rock, set into a wall of bricks and pebbles! It may be small, but it holds three important clues. First, there’s an inscription: “Font del Hostal de Sant Johan,” which means “spring of the Sant Johan inn.” Then, if you look closely, you’ll see the year 1431. And right in the center, a Maltese cross — you can recognize it by its four arms with eight points. Put together, these signs tell us that this spot was once linked to the Hospitallers of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. A Catholic religious order, active from the time of the Crusades all the way up to the 1800s. They were known for building hospitals in the Holy Land, where they helped and cared for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. This stone dates back to the 15th century. Though we know from other records that the Hospitallers were already in Perpignan as early as the 1100s. Just one more hidden chapter of the city’s Catalan history — remembered and preserved right here.