Andorra

The Principality of Andorra

Andorra is a small country in south-western Europe. The nature of Andorra captures and small towns located in the mountain valleys don’t leave any traveller indifferent. Some of the world’s best ski resorts are located in Andorra. The country abounds in interesting museums and leisure complexes. Romanesque churches, ruins of ancient castles and unique beautiful bridges have brought world fame to the Principality. In addition, it is the only country in the world where snow is considered to be the national treasure, where there are no correctional institutions, and postage is totally free. These are just few reasons why tourists regard Andorra as a small wonder-state.

Andorra is one of the oldest countries in Europe. The first records about it date back to the 2nd century BC. Charlemagne, a king of the Franks and an emperor of the Carolingian Empire, has granted a charter to the Andorrans in return for help in fighting against the Arabs. Later, the Count of Urgell became an overlord of Andorra. In 1278, the Acte de Pareage was signed and provided the co-rule of the Spanish Bishop of Urgell and the French Count of Foix over the country. Since then, this agreement has been the basis of the Andorra’s independence and today the President of France and the Bishop of La Seu d'Urgell in Catalonia are co-princes of the Principality of Andorra.

The main feature of the country is its geographical location. All cities in Andorra are built in the Pyrenees Mountains, thus being surrounded by virgin nature, dense forests and rapid rivers. Thanks to its location and well-thought-out economic policy, Andorra is considered to be one of the best ski resorts in Europe. It welcomes its visitors from early December until the end of April. Andorra la Vella, La Massana, Pas de la Casa, and Ordino offer ski tracks of different difficulty’s levels with total length of 250 km. Moreover, Andorra is referred to as a sunny European country without heavy snowfalls or rains, so you shouldn’t worry about bad weather. They say the Andorran sun shines 250 days a year.

However, Andorra is associated not only with the mountains. Every corner of this little Principality has got something to surprise. In terms of art and architecture, the most attractive city in the country is its capital Andorra la Vella. The Gran Valira River flows through the capital and its banks are beautified by stone houses. St Stephen’s Church and St Andrew’s Church built in the 11th century with their unique ancient paintings are located in this city. You are well advised to visit the world’s famous Casa de la Vall, an Andorran Parliament building, where antique furniture and dinner services are kept. Andorra la Vella has also gained its fame due to the biggest thermal spa centre in Western Europe – spa resort Caldea. It offers a wide range of services, including an outdoor pool with mineral water, covering an area of 600 square meters. By the way, the interior of the complex resembles a bunch of mountain crystals in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon style.

Encamp and Canillo, parishes located not far from the capital, are interesting as well. Both, Church of Sant Roma with its complex of buildings dated back to the Middle Ages located in the village of Les Bons, a parish of Encamp, and the picturesque stone church built in the 11th century in Canillo will complete first impressions of the Andorran architectural features. Picturesque landscapes of La Massana and mountain villages of Soldeu and El Tarter emphasize the natural beauty of the Principality and create unique atmosphere for a rest. The Gran Valira River with its majestic arch stone bridge of 33 meters long, one of the most favourite tourist attraction destinations, simply shouldn’t be missed by you.

Another feature of the Principality is its wide range of museums. Despite the small area of the state, you can find many buildings that remain unique collections within their walls. The Areny-Plandolit House Museum will take you back to the 17th century. The Micro Miniature Museum in Ordino is another unique museum, where works of Ukrainian micro miniaturist Nikolai Siadristyi are presented. His masterpieces can be seen only through a microscope magnifying it up to 300 times. You are advised to visit the National Automobile Museum with the collection of more than 90 cars and 100 bicycles, and the Museum of Electricity, where you’ll be offered to take part in exciting experiments. The two last museums mentioned above are located in the town of Encamp.

Once you have visited Andorra, you’ll feel the colour of its life. Your impressions about the Principality won’t be completed without visiting its national holidays and festivities. Andorra la Vella Village Festival is the country’s most famous three-day annual festival. It begins on the first day of August on Placa del Poble Square in the capital. You can also visit the village of Maritxell on the 8th September, as on this day locals celebrate Our Lady of Meritxell Day, the most famous religious holiday in honour of the Andorra’s patron saint – Our Lady of Meritxell. St John’s Eve, celebrated on the 23rd June, is a mysterious one. It is believed that at this night you shouldn’t go to sleep as you can hear songs of fairy elves.