Andorra is one of the smallest European states, but in terms of the number of interesting sights it is not inferior to other European countries. This unique state thrives mainly on the inexhaustible flow of tourists.
One of the local attractions - the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley - is under the protection of UNESCO, several others are included in the preliminary list of World Heritage Sites. But there are much more interesting tourist places in this country. So what to see in Andorra, where exactly to go for a tourist who has arrived in this country?
Top 15 attractions in Andorra
House of the Valleys
House of the Valleys
One of the most interesting sights of the city of Andorra la Vella (capital of the country). The house was built in the 16th century. It was the seat of one of the local noble families. The house got its name due to the fact that its appearance corresponded to the samples of rural architecture of those times.
At the beginning of the 18th century, the house became the seat of parliament. The building was rebuilt several times. There was a period when it simultaneously housed a court, a prison (for privileged prisoners), a chapel and a hotel. Now it houses a museum. You can visit it only as part of an excursion group. Guided tours are free of charge. The languages spoken by the guides are French, English, Spanish and Catalan.
House-Museum of the d'Areni-Plandolite family
House-Museum of the d'Areni-Plandolite family
Located in the town of Ordino. Built in the first third of the 17th century. Subsequently, its architectural appearance has changed several times. The owners of the house played an important role in the political life of the country and exerted a great influence on the economy of the state. Power and luxury are two words that defined their lives. The house has preserved a music salon and armory room, wine cellars and a family chapel, a library and a living room, a dining room and several bedrooms … Original items in the rooms and beautiful flowers in the manor garden will delight the visitor with the most discerning taste.
You can see the attraction on your own or as part of an excursion, the duration of which is approximately 1 hour.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mericell
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mericell
Located in the north of the country, in a place called Merichel. The temple was built in the XII century. The construction of the sanctuary was preceded by a miracle witnessed by local residents. Once in winter, having gone to Mass in one of the neighboring towns, they saw a blooming rose hip bush (which was extremely strange for the winter time). In this bush, they found a statue of the Mother of God with the Child. The find was taken to the city where the travelers were heading. But the next day, the statue was again found in the same rose hip bush. She was taken to another nearby town, but she inexplicably returned to her former place. Then the locals built a temple around the rosehip bush.
In the 70s of the XX century, this temple was destroyed by fire, and an ancient statue, found once in a flowering bush, also perished. A few years later, the sanctuary was restored, a copy of the burnt statue was placed in it.
Le Bons
Le Bons
A small village in the central part of the country. The buildings of the XII-XIII centuries have been preserved here. The following historical sights can be seen in the village:
- watchtower;
- irrigation canal;
- water tower;
- a temple dedicated to Roman of Caesarea;
- ruins of the castle.
Many buildings have been fairly well preserved to this day.
If you have planned a thorough inspection of these sights, it is better for you to go to the village in the summer, since in winter these ancient structures are only allowed to be viewed from the outside.
Ruins of the castle of Saint Vicens
Built in the 9th century on a hilltop, the castle was used as a strategic site until the 12th century. The castle church functioned until the 19th century. It has been well preserved to this day. Also on the territory of the castle you can see the ancient tombs.
Church of San Esteve
Church of San Esteve
Built around the 11th-12th centuries. Located in Andorra la Vella. Over the 10 centuries of its existence, the church has been rebuilt several times, so that its original appearance has actually been lost.
Some elements of the ancient building have survived to the present day: a semicircular apse, an old wooden beam … Also in the temple it is worth paying attention to two baroque retablos and a painting from the 18th century.
Near the church there is a monument to Bishop Juan Batiste Benlloc y Vivo, the author of the words of the country's anthem (although some sources mistakenly call him the author of the music of this work).
Church of Santa Coloma
Church of Santa Coloma
It is located in the village of the same name not far from the capital of the country. Built in the 9th or 10th centuries. The architecture of the temple is very laconic, even ascetic. In the XII century, a high bell tower, consisting of 4 floors, was added to it (some sources claim that during this period it was rebuilt).
You can visit the church only in the summer. Guided tours are free of charge.
Chapel of San Cerni
The current temple of the picturesque settlement of Nagol. The stone and wooden houses in this area seem to be covered with a magical transparent dome: they seem to be inaccessible to the influence of the modern world and its frantic rhythms.
Locals believe that the chapel was built on the instructions of the Virgin Mary herself, who appeared to people who lived here in previous centuries. The exact date of construction has not yet been established. The altar of the XII-XIII centuries, a retablo of the XV century and several other ancient relics have been preserved in the temple.
La Margineda bridge
La Margineda bridge
One of the historical landmarks of which Andorra la Vella is proud. The bridge was built in the XII century. Its length is 33 meters, and its height is over 9 meters. The bridge over the Valira River is devoid of any decorative elements. The only goal of the architects was to create a solid, durable structure. And they achieved their goal: for almost 9 centuries, the bridge has been connecting the banks of the river without needing repair or restoration.
And although its design is very ascetic, the nature surrounding it is so beautiful that the flow of tourists with cameras never stops here.
Casa Rull
Ethnographic Museum in the village of Sispony. The building was built in the 17th century and for a long time belonged to one of the wealthy Andorran families. In the second half of the 20th century, the owner of the house transferred it to the ownership of the state, offering to organize a museum of ethnography in it. This initiative was supported by the country's leadership.
Visiting the museum, you can get a complete picture of the life of Andorrans in the 17th-18th centuries. The bakery and kitchen, wine cellar and vegetable garden, living rooms and utility room - all this has retained the spirit of the past, its atmosphere. And every visitor to the museum seems to be transported several centuries ago, starting to better understand the history of Andorra.
National Automobile Museum
National Automobile Museum
Located in Encamp. Here are exhibits related to the history of the development of motorism. In the museum you will see a steam engine from the 19th century and cars from the last third of the 20th century. Among the exhibits:
- 20 cars;
- about 100 bicycles;
- 60 motorcycles.
You can visit the museum on your own or book a guided tour that will last about 40 minutes. However, to understand the guide's story, you need knowledge of Spanish, Catalan or French.
Central park
One of the landmarks of the capital of the country. Cozy green area surrounded by mountain slopes. Here you can sit on a bench in the shade of trees, admire exotic plants, feed the ducks swimming in the pond … For the little ones there is a playground, and for adults there is a bar with a beautiful view from the terrace.
One of the most interesting places in the park is the rock garden. Here you can see many samples of beautiful and amazing stones (including gneiss, travertine, granodiorite) mined in the country.
Caldea
Caldea
The famous thermal complex is actually a visiting card of the country. The magnificent glass domes of this complex, built in the 90s of the XX century, are already worthy of the attention of travelers, but inside the tourists real bliss awaits - waterfalls, lagoons, jacuzzis, fountains, the water into which comes from a healing hot spring!
This is both relaxation and treatment: thermal water contains sulfur, sodium, calcium, sulfates, it heals allergies and heals wounds. But if everything is in order with your health, you still should not ignore the thermal complex: a visit to it will give you great pleasure! And after a hydromassage or water procedures in the lagoon in the open air, it will be so pleasant to sit in one of the cozy restaurants located on the territory of the complex!
Madriu-Perafita-Claror
Madriu-Perafita-Claror
Glacial Valley. The only attraction of the country protected by UNESCO. The pristine beauty of nature, interesting routes for walking tours - this is what attracts tourists here.
People lived here 7 centuries ago, were engaged in viticulture and mining of iron ore. Currently, the valley is inhabited only in summer. There are only 12 houses throughout its territory. They are built of granite and covered with slate roofs.
Coma Pedrosa
Coma Pedrosa
Mountain in the northwestern part of the country. Its peak is the highest point in Andorra. Climbing it takes about 4, 5 hours and does not require special training. Climbing to the top, you can see the most beautiful Trout and Black lakes, as well as the picturesque Ribal waterfall. If you are not a fan of hiking trails, then you can climb to the top of the mountain on a ski lift.
