Things to do in Andorra
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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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Caldea Spa Complex
In Escaldes, the Caldea Spa Complex is Europe's largest. Looking like some futuristic cathedral, it's a wonderful place for some soothing relaxation after exertions in the mountains. Fed by hot springs, its heart is a 600-sq-metre lagoon kept at a constant 32°C. A series of other pools, plus Turkish baths, saunas, spas and hydromassage, are all included in the three-hour entrance ticket.
You can sign on for a whole range of extras, including 'Turkish exfoliation', 'body scrub' and the enticing 'full hand care'. Caldea is a 10-minute walk upstream from Plaça de la Rotonda.
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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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Pyrénées Department Store
The top-floor cafeteria and restaurant of this megastore offer great fare at very reasonable prices. Pile your salad plate high at the self-service buffet and follow it with the dish of the day, or select from one of the seven varieties of plato combinado (mixed plate). One floor down, self-caterers will enjoy choosing from the shelves of its well-stocked supermarket.
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Borda Estevet
Here's a place for meaty mountain fare with a strong Catalan twist to the menu. Try its graellada de muntanya, a selection of meats and sausages sizzled on hot slates. Conclude a great eating experience with a digestif from its table full of liqueurs and spirits. Among the chef's many accolades and commendations is the intriguing Golden Cock Award.
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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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La Borsa
Like a drink now and again and the chance to dance? Enjoy a little flutter? Here you can indulge in all three. Keep a weather eye on the electronic, computer-controlled screen; the price of each drink fluctuates according to the night's consumption. Some you win, some you lose. It's like life, really, only rather more fun as the evening wears on…
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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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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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Duty-free Shops
Andorra has over 2000 shops - more than one for every 40 inhabitants. Most of Andorra la Vella's duty-free shops border the eastern part of Avinguda del Príncep Benlloch, the length of Avinguda de Meritxell and into its continuation, Avinguda de Carlemany in Escaldes.
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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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El Faisà
El Faisà 'The Pheasant' is a delightful place, committed to fine food, where the cuisine gives more than a nod towards both France and Spain. Trim, with crisp white tablecloths and gleaming glasses, its mains offer something for all pockets and preferences.
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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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Can Benet
It's international cuisine and everything à la carte at this long-established restaurant. Eat in the intimate ground-floor bar or upstairs in the dining room with its attractive stone-clad walls.
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Cervesería l'Albadia
The place for serious beer drinkers, with over eight classics on draught and more in the bottle than you could possibly manage in a weekend of heavy tippling.
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Papanico
This cheery place does tasty tapas and a range of sandwiches and mains. Fun at midday and vibrant at night, it's also a place to see and be seen.
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Libreria Jaume Caballé
A splendid collection of antiquarian and new travel books in Spanish, French and Catalan, plus a comprehensive range of walking and travel maps.
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Forum Filatèlic
At Forum Filatèlic, up the steps beside Carrer de Joan Maragall 2, stamp-, coin- and phonecard-collectors will find themselves in heaven.
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