Andorra Travel Guide
Andorra is a tiny ministate between France and Spain in which Catalan is the official language. The aforementioned language is widely spoken in Països Catalans (Catalans Countries): Principat de Catalunya (with Barcelona), Catalunya Nord, Illes Balears, País Valencià and Alguer (in Sardenya).
High up in the Pyrenee mountains it is a unique place to visit. In winter time Andorra has some fine ski slopes to explore. In summer it is an enjoyable stop when going from Spain to France. The capital, Andorra la vella is a nice town, with a few good museums and a relaxed atmosphere.
The administrative division is the "parroquia". Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, La Massana, Andorra la Vella and Escaldes Engordany are the seven "parroquies" of Andorra.
Andorra's shopping is known all over the world. Everything is prepared to give the customer the leading role. The privileged tax system allows very competitive prices. In the Principality you will also find Caldea, the largest fun spa centre in the south of Europe, a water palace situated at an altitude of 1000 m, with an architecture and amenities which make it a unique building.
Andorra la Vella Travel Guide
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra. It is a nice and easy going
town which is an excellent base for exploring the many possibilities
of the mountains all around it.
The main sight is probably the church of Santa Coloma . Built in the 9th and
10th centuries, it is one of the oldest in the country, pre-Romanesque in style
and with a 12th century circular bell tower. Also worthwhile is the Casa de
la Vall, the seat of parliament and the judiciary. It dates from the end of
the 16th century. A traditional noble house where some magnificent Gothic frescoes
of the Passion may be seen.
Caldea
Travel Guide
,Caldea is reputedly Europe's largest thermal spa complex - it's pretty
big anyway! Andorra is dotted with fresh water springs, some of which
are thermal. The parish (or county) of Escaldes-Engordany has several
of the thermal variety. It's these naturally occuring hot water springs
which feed Caldea, and lots of people claim the waters have a healing
quality...
Reservations can be made at www.caldea.com. Especially in tourism season this is recommandable. Without reservation a long queue or even the deception of a "fully booked" sign might wait for you.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.