Sights in Andorra
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A
Casa de la Vall
Constructed in 1580 as a home for a wealthy family, it has served as Andorra's parliament building since 1702. Downstairs is El Tribunal de Corts, the country's one and only courtroom. The Sala del Consell, upstairs, has to be one of the cosiest parliament chambers in the world. L'Armari de les Set Claus (the Cupboard of the Seven Keys) once held Andorra's most important official documents.
Security was guaranteed because it could only be opened if a key-bearing representative from each of the seven parishes was present. There are free guided tours in several languages, including English. Book at least a week ahead in summer to ensure a place - though individuals can…
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Església de Santa Coloma
Mentioned in documents from the 9th century, the pre-Romanesque form of the Church of Santa Coloma is Andorra's oldest. The church's tall, freestanding 12th-century bell still stands intact, whereas most of the remainder has been much modified over the centuries.
All the church's 12th-century Romanesque murals, except one entitled Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), were taken to Berlin for conservation in the 1930s and still languish there.
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B
Plaça del Poble
Plaça del Poble 'People's Square', just south of Plaça de Rebés, occupies the roof of a modern government office building. Giving splendid views of the valley and mountains, it's a popular local gathering place, especially in the evening. The lift in the southeastern corner whisks you down to the car park below on Carrer del Prat de la Creu.
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C
Església de Sant Esteve
Andorra la Vella's parish church, Església de Sant Esteve, these days aligned north-south, dates from the 11th century. Apart from the Romanesque apse on its eastern side, it's mainly modern and has little of interest apart from some wonderfully warm, glowing stained-glass windows.
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D
Barri Antic
The small Barri Antic, intrusively and artificially bisected by Avinguda Príncep Benlloch, was the heart of Andorra la Vella when the principality's capital was little more than a village. The narrow cobbled streets around Casa de la Vall are flanked by attractive stone houses.
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Museu Nacional de l'Automòbil
A trip to the National Automobile Museum will have the classier revheads wishing they could take one of the 80 vintage cars or numerous antique motorcycles for a spin through the Pyrenees. Also on display are over 100 bicycles, from old bone-rattlers to sleek racers.
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Plaça del Poble
This large public square occupies the roof of the Edifici Administratiu Govern d'Andorra, a modern government office building. Affording romantic views of the valley and mountains, it's a popular local gathering place, especially in the evening.
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