The capital of Andorra stands at an altitude
of 1013 m. These are among the most interesting sights to be seen here:
- The town square: this is a surprisingly peaceful spot where you may
enjoy a panoramic view of the Valley of Andorra.
- The church of Sant Esteve: this building dates from the 12th century
although it has undergone large changes over the course of time. The apse, which used to
have some murals that are now on display at the National Museum of Art of Catalonia with
others held in two private collections, still remains. There is a very interesting
polychrome wooden bearn and some baroque retables. On the outside the Romanesque apse and
bell tower are of interest.
The Plaga (square) Guillemó contains some interesting architectural features such as
the Guillemó house and the Molines house whose façades are decorated with sgraffito
plasterwork.
- The mestre Fontbernat corner: this comer with the old bautismal font of
Sant Esteve stands next to the side door of the church, which was designed by the
Modernist architect J. Puig i Cadafalch.
- The sculpture of St. Steven: standing by the old bautismal font, this
statue was made by the ltalian artist Luiggi Terruggi.
- The sculpture dedicated to the "contrapàs" (counterstep) folk dance. This
sculpture in honour of Andorra la Vella's typical dance presides over the Placeta de la
Vall in the old part of the town. It was made by the Andorran artist Sergi Mas.
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- The Casa de la Vall. lf you follow the
Carrer de la Vall, you will arrive at Casa de la Vall, the seat of the Consell General
(Andorran Parliament). This building was constructed in 1580 as the home of the Busquets
farmily and was later bought by the Consell de la Terra in 1702. An essential visit for
all those who wouid like to know about the workings of Andorra's institutions. In
addition, there are some very interesting works of art inside, especially the 16th century
wall paintings in the Sala dels Passos Perduts which remind us of court tapestries, as
well as two altarpieces from the 17th century.
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Casa de la Vall |
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| Other rooms open to the public which are well
worth visiting are: The Sala del Tribunal de Corts on the ground floor where Andorran
court cases still take place, The Sala del Consell General which provides the setting for
the meetings of the Andorran Parliament, the Sala dels Passos Perduts where the different
councillors exchange points of view, the Síndic General's office for visitors and the
kitchen which is still used once a year for the meeting of Andorra la Vella's Consòrcia
of married men. There are guided visits. Opening
hours are: from 9.30h to 13.00h and frorn 15.00h to 19.00h. However, visiting hours are
subject modification in the case of official government and parliamentary committee
meetings (Sindicatura-General). Closed on Sunday afternoons. Sundays and Holidays: from
10.00h to 14.00h.: SANTA
COLOMA |