Cultural activities in Andorra

Romanesque in Andorra

In Andorra, the Romanesque is the main architectural style. There are historical references about it from the 8th century to the 13th century, even when in other places in Europe the Gothic was already developing, in Andorra the Romanesque was still prevailing. The Andorran Romanesque is defined by small stone and slate churches, some of them having altar pieces, original mural paintingsand polychrome painted wooden figures. Some examples of these churches are Sant Climent de Pal (in La Massana), Sant Martí de la Cortinada (in Ordino), Santa Coloma (in Andorra la Vella), or Sant Joan de Caselles (in Canillo). Moreover, there are some houses and bridges built during the Romanesque period.

The Iron Route

The Iron Route in Andorra is part of the transboundary iron route in the Pyrenees. A stroll following this trail will help us understand the iron and steel industry in Andorra. This industry took place between the 17th and the 19th centuries in Andorra, a time when it was one of the main economic resources in this country. The testimonies of the iron and steel industry are the Rossell Forge, the Llorts Mine (which is open for visits) and the haulage trail.

Forge artwork of some of the buildings in the area reflects how iron was used at the time, in buildings such as the Areny-Plandolit House-Museum (this family was one of the most important forge owners) and the church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, in Ordino.

Our Lady of Meritxell Sanctuary

Meritxell is the patroness of Andorra. For this reason, in the village called Meritxell (in Canillo), theMeritxell Sanctuary was built during the Romanesque period. A fire destroyed this church in 1972 and, although it was partially rebuilt, the famous architect Ricardo Bofill was asked to build a new sanctuarynext to the old one, which last stone was placed in 1976. Despite the modern aesthetics of the new sanctuary, local materials were used to build it, and therefore the sanctuary is well integrated in the landscapes of Canillo.

Both sanctuaries, the new one and the old one, are opened to the public. They are easily accessed by the road from Andorra la Vella to Canillo.

Museums

To satisfy your interest about the life and traditions of people in Andorra, there are several Houses-Museum at your disposal. As well as a good variety of other Museums, dedicated to modern art, religious art, comics, tobacco, miniatures, motorcycles, etc.

So, what museum would you like to visit? If you can’t choose just one, perhaps your best choice is getting the PassMuseu, with its great discount, so that you enjoy the museums of Andorra at the most!