Andorra
A mountainous fairytale land of ski resorts, spas, Romanesque churches, and little tax liability, Andorra exists because Charlemagne created buffer states, the Marca Hispánica (Hispanic Marches) to defend the Franks from the Moors back at the start of the ninth century. Andorra is the only of the Hispanic Marches to become a country and remain to this day.
The people speak Catalan, a creative cross between French and Spanish also spoken in the Catalonia region of Spain around Barcelona. Follow the link to hear the Catalan language and learn a bit about Andorra.
There is no military aside from a small ceremonial army. France and Spain defend the country. If there is an emergency, the Sometent (alarm) will sound and all able-bodied heads of households between 21 and 60 are called to defend their homeland. By law, all Andorrans are to keep a rifle in their house in case of need.
Because the Pyrenees overtakes most of Andorra, there is only one major Y shaped section of roads with an entrance into France to the northeast and an entrance into Spain to the southwest.
There are no airports or trains in Andorra. The last train stop in France is at L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre, which essentially means the last hospital before Andorra. There are buses in Andorra and hiking trail systems throughout the country. It is possible to travel Andorra entirely on foot.
To the southwest toward the Spanish border, Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe. The Salvador Dali sculpture “The Nobility of Time” in the Plaça de la Rotonda is a notable feature along with the Pont de Paris with the city’s name spelled across it. The massive, glass pyramid tower of Europe’s largest spa complex, Centre Termolúdic Caldea, can be seen from a distance in Andorra la Vella’s valleyline.
The spiritual heart of Andorra is the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, only reachable on foot.
The country is dotted with intriguing Medevial Romanesque churches and bridges. Click on the links for more information:
Pont de la Margineda, 12th century Romanesque bridge
Sant Miquel d’Engolasters, 12th century Romanesque church
Sant Joan de Caselles Church, Romanesque church from the 11th century
Casa d’Areny-Plandolit in Ordino, house built in 1633
Sant Martí Church in La Cortinada, 12th century church with Romanesque frescos
Les Escaldes, town with hot springs and Capilla Sant Roma fortress ruins
Santa Coloma Church, oldest church in Andorra, from the 9th century
Sant Vicenç d’Enclar, 12th century castle perched on the Roc d’Enclar over the village
Go here for an article about the Catalan literature of Andorra.
Contrapàs and marratxa and sardana are among Catalan folk dances. Follow the link to watch and hear the music. And some more Catalan music and dancing.
Learn about Andorra’s summer solstice fire festival tradition at Andorra’s Falles and Fallaires.
Escudella is Andorra’s national dish. It is a hearty stew often eaten in the winter. Follow the link for more Andorran traditional dishes.
Learn about the Catalan Castellers.
Hiking the Coronallacs Trail
A Hiking Trip in Andorra
Cheryl Strayed’s Hiking Trip to Andorra
More About Andorra
15 Best Places to Visit in Andorra
History of Andorra
More History of Andorra
Archaeological History of Andorra
