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Top Attractions in Andorra |
Casa de la Vall
Originally built as a family home in 1580, Casa de la Vall was
bought by the General Council in 1702 and is now the seat of the
Andorran Parliament. Situated in the old heart of Andorra la Vella,
its architecture includes both civil and military elements. Inside
there is an interesting cupboard with seven keys which once held the
most important national documents. The cupboard could only be opened
by the simultaneous presence of councillors from each of the seven
constituencies in the country. There is also a dormitory and a
kitchen with magnificent 16th century murals. The Sala de la
Justicia is the only courtroom in the whole country and the Sala del
Consell is where the parliament still assembles.
Website: Casa de la Vall
Santa Coloma Church
The church at Santa Coloma is one of the oldest churches in
Andorra. Originally built in the pre-Romanesque style, it has
undergone various alterations over the centuries including the
addition of a 12th century bell tower and a 17th century portico on
the south wall. The Church has many interesting features including
its 12th century wooden icon of Our Lady of Mercy. Unfortunately the
splendid Romanesque frescoes of Andorra now lie in the Prussian
State Cultural Museum in Berlin.
Website: Santa Coloma Church
Caldea
Caldea is one of Europe’s largest health spas, a futuristic
architectural wonder situated in the heart of the Andorran
mountains. There are over 6000 square meters of indoor and outdoor
lagoons, saunas, jacuzzis, pools, Indo-Roman baths, cascades, bubble
beds and much more. Fed by natural thermal springs, it is an
essential part of any visit to Andorra, especially after a hard
day’s fun in the snow.
Website: Caldea
The Castle of Sant Vicenç d'Enclar
Perched on a hilltop at an altitude of over 1126 meters, the
Castle of Sant Vicenç d'Enclar overlooks the village of Santa
Coloma. This medieval complex was built between the 9th and the 12th
centuries and was the home of the Counts of Urgell. Visit the
church, the necropolis and various ruins as well as the remains of
the battlements and the stone guard walk.
La Cortinada, Ordino
This interesting town is home to the Church of Sant Marti and the
restored mill wheels and sawmills of Mas d’en Sole. Originally
dating from the Romanesque period, the Church houses part of a
pictorial wall cycle from the end of the 12th century as well as an
iconography dedicated to Sant Marti, the bishop of Tours. There are
also four Baroque altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries and
some very interesting furniture including a console and two benches
decorated with intricate motifs. The mill wheel of Mas d’en Sole is
an interesting restored 17th century industrial installation found
on the outskirts of La Cortinada.
The Casa d'Areny-Plandolit Museum, Ordino
The Casa d'Areny-Plandolit Museum traces over three centuries in
the life of an Andorran noble family. The museum is based in the
house where the family lived since 1633 and gives a fascinating
insight into how Andorran people lived.
Website: Areny Plandolit
Andorra la Vella
Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra and its
biggest town. Lying at the confluence of the Gran Valira, the Valira
del Oriente and the Valira del Norte rivers, Andorra La Vella is
dwarfed by stunning snow-capped mountains of up to 2500 metres high.
Check out The Barri Antic (old town) the original heart of the town
when it was little more than a village. Stroll in the Placa del Poble
– the large public square atop the Edifici Administratiu
Govern d’Andorra. It’s a great place for people watching of an evening
and is home to the town’s theatre.
Shopping
Andorra is a world famous shopping haven. Expect to pay at least
20% - 30% less than in France or Spain for electronic goods,
cameras, cosmetics and alcohol. The long opening hours and sheer
amount of shops are very conducive to spending!
Andorran Village Festivals
During the months of July, August and September, many Andorran
towns and villages hold lively festivals many of which go on for
three days at a time. All of these festivals originated as Catholic
religious feasts. If you visit the principality at this time, check
out the following:
Meritxell: National
Festival 8th of September
Canillo: Village
Festival on the third Saturday in July for three days
Encamp: Village Festival on the 15th, 16th and
17th of August
Ordino: Village Festival on the
16th and 17th of September
La Massana: Village
Festival on the 15th, 16th and 17th of August
Andorra la
Vella: Village Festival on the first Saturday in August for
three days
Sant Julia de Loria:
Village Festival on the last Sunday in July for three days
Escalde-Engordany: Village Festival on the 25th,
26th and 27th of July.
Snow
Probably Andorra’s most valuable natural resource, heavy winter
snow is very conducive to most winter sports. For about six months
of the year, Andorra’s well-equipped ski stations have perfect
conditions for skiing. The main ski stations are at Pas de la
Casa-Grau Roig, Soldeu-Tarter, Arinsal, Pal and Arcalís.
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