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The only monument I found in Andorra la Vella was this stone statue of a bishop in my picture.
History of Andorra is strictly associated with Roman Catholic religion and even today, according to official statistics it's the most catholic state in Europe (over 90% of the total population). It's still divided into parishes (seven) and bishop's insignia are on national flag and coat of arms.
Tradition holds that Charlemagne (Charles the Great; the King of the Franks 768–814) granted a charter to the Andorran people in return for their fighting the Moors (the medieval Muslim inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula - today's Spain and Portugal, northern and western Africa). Overlordship of the territory passed to the local count of Urgell (the historical Catalan county) and eventually to the bishop of the diocese of Urgell. But the territory was disputed between the bishop and its northern French neighbour.
In 1278 (on September 8 - National Day in Andorra now) a paréage (a feudal treaty recognising joint sovereignty over a territory by two rulers, who were on an equal footing) was signed which provided that Andorra's sovereignty be shared between the French count of Foix (whose title would ultimately transfer to the French head of state) and the bishop of La Seu d'Urgell, in Catalonia, Spain. This gave the small principality its territory and political form.
During World War II, Andorra remained neutral and was an important smuggling route between Vichy France and Spain. Given its relative isolation, Andorra has existed outside the mainstream of European history, with few ties to countries other than France and Spain. In recent times, however, its thriving tourist industry along with developments in transportation and communication have removed the country from its isolation and its political system was thoroughly modernised in 1993, the year in which it finally became a member of the United Nations.
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This pretty, made of stones, Roman Catholic church (Iglesia parroquial de Sant Esteve) is centrally located by closed for traffic square (Plaça del Poble). It was originally built in Romanesque style in the 12th century. Later on the church was enriched in many addings and alterations easy to distinguish now. The oldest, romanesque in style is the semi-circular apse decorated with lombard arches and covered with a hemispherical vault. The stone bell tower dominating the city skyline looks mostly original. Well, the clock put on the top doesn't fit well. The interior is rather modest with few baroque decorations including small but very decorative main altar. I paid attention to interesting romanesque mural paintings which depicted the Apocalypse.
The church is open for visitors only in July and August from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm. Other months it opens only for the holy service at 8 am and 7.30 pm on Mon. - Sat. and 8 am, 10.30 am, 12 am and 7.30 pm on Sunday and church holidays.
Leave a Comment Address: Plaça del Poble; Andorra la Vella; AndorraDirections: Go westwards the main street Avinguda Meritxell, pass by Placa Rebes (on the left) and turn first street left (Rambla Molines) to Plaça del Poble (Town Square), the church is on your right.Website: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Andorra/photo355476.htm
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Andorra la Vella is a small town easy to walk. It stretches on a distance of almost 2 km along the river valley and on the east it's joined with seperate city called Escaldes-Engordany. You have to watch road signs to figure out in what city you are. I parked my car too far to east close to the border between the two towns. Do NOT go east unless you want to see nothing more than numerous car shops and services.
The oldest part of the town called Barri Antic (Old Quarter) is located along western part of Avinguda Meritxell, west of Placa Rebes and father west. There is a longitudinal square closed for traffic in front of St. Stephen's Church (look up to see the bell tower). It's called Plaça del Poble (Plaza del Pueblo in Spanish) that means Town Square. The architecture and fasade decorations of some of the houses on the square are worth seeing. The square is also a popular local gathering place, especially in the evening. Most of the square is located on the roof of modern administrative buildings of the Andorra government. It's a place to relax and to amaze views over the huge mountains around. You can easily see telecommunication antenna installed on the white summit of the Pic de Carroi (2317m; 7602 ft). I even thought about climbing Pic de Carroi (4 hours up and down - follow the link below for details) for spectacular views over Andorra but I didn't due lack of time and shoes for climbing in snow. And I was too excited about the new country I was going to see that was Spain.
So, I walked a bit father west towards next valley town called Santa Coloma (see my off the beaten path) and soon came back to drive to Spain.
Leave a Comment Address: Plaça del Poble; Andorra la Vella, AndorraDirections: Go westwards the main street Avinguda Meritxell, pass by Placa Rebes (on the left) and turn first street left (Rambla Molines) to Plaça del Poble (Town Square).Website: http://carroi.andorramania.com
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Caldea is a spa in Andorra's capital.
It has indoor lagoon (huge) and outside area where sometimes you are in the water while is snowing.
For the price of EUR 30 you get the admission for three hours to the jacuzzies, waterbeds, aztec bads, saunas and so on...
It has restaurant, bar, massages area, beauty, shoping area.
It is open from around 9 AM to 11PM.
I do not really like the place because I do not like to touch some people when I nude, I mean, with my swimsuit. When I go to these places to relax I like to relax and do not wait in line to use any area.
If you go during the weekend think the place will be totally FULL.
The building is fantastic, it is made with thousand of crystals and metal. Leave a Comment
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It is one of few historical buildings in Andorra la Vella. It is a popular tourists visiting place. Near the House of Valley is a flat examination area. Leave a Comment
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Andorra’s popularity is in its tax-free zones. Andorra has so unique system of taxies as a result different groups of goods cost less than in EU. For example, alcohol as whiskey, photo and video goods. Leave a Comment
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The church of Saint Esteban is the second popular historical building in Andorra la Vella. Leave a Comment
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You've got to see Caldea spas. An unusual building that blends in well with the surrounding Pyrenean landscape.
It contains spas (you can choose from various scents for your spa) and offers loads of hydromassage & beauty treatments - girly heaven :) Leave a Comment
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Andorra is known also because of the Romanesque architecture, there are lots of chapels and romanesque churchs.
But Andorra is known also because of all the artistic events (music, theather and exhibitions.
In june take place the INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Escaldes-Engordany) Leave a Comment
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It was May and people were ski-ing on the French side...yet when we went down into the bowl shaped valley that was Andorra La Vella the air was sweet and it was like spring. The Pyrenees are a particularly beautifull mountain chain. Leave a Comment
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on October 30, 2006
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on September 13, 2002
on August 26, 2002
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