The sights of Andorra

Andorra is one of the oldest countries. The first references to the inhabitants of this area were found in the Latin chronicles of the second century BC! Perhaps the main attractions of Andorra are not the monuments of the distant past, although there are many ruins of Roman bridges, temples and fortresses, and mountain slopes, resorts which are among the best in Europe.

In a hollow surrounded by high mountains is the capital, Andorra la Vella.

Город основали в начале IX века, и славится он своими древними постройками в средневековом стиле. Особое впечатление на туристов производят церковь Св. Арменола (XI в.), резиденция правящей верхушки «Дом Долин» (XVI в.), и, конечно же, сердце города и страны в целом – район Барри Антик. Гордостью района является Каса-де-ла-Валь. Он был построен как парламентский дворец страны свыше трех веков назад!

Единственное судебное здание, Сала-де-ла-Джустисиа, здание парламента страны с филателистическим музеем в верхних этажах, Сала-дель-Конселл, а также дом Сет Панис, похожий на замок – расположены вокруг Каса-де-ла-Валь.

The cultural center of the city is the Plaza la Poble, where the Music Academy and the State Theater are located. The largest shopping center in the country, Pirenez, is also located there.

Великая архитектурная достопримечательность Андорры – Санта-Колома, IX-X вв. – относится к числу самых старых церквей. Кроме того, знаменита церковь Сантуарио-де-Меритсель и самый большой мост, построенный мастерами Средневековья – расположен в Ла-Маргинеда, рядом со столицей.

On Avenue Charlemagne and Avenue Meritsel are the main stores of Andorra la Vella.

The largest thermal spring in Western Europe, Caldea, is located in Les Escaldes. The complex is 600 square meters covered by a glass dome, with pools, whirlpools, cascades, grottos, waterfalls, spas, baths and saunas. The complex uses thermal springs, mineral waters and even geysers. It also includes many massage parlors, bars, restaurants, clubs, sports fields, courts and a shopping center.

В 5 км. от столицы, в Энкампе, расположен один из немногих музеев страны – Национальный Автомобильный Музей, где представлено более ста самых редких и старинных транспортных средств: автомобили, мотоциклы, велосипеды и прочее.

It is not unreasonable to visit the large sports complex Encamp Multiaporta Center and the church Esglesia San Roma de les Bones (XII century), where the routes to the surrounding ski centers originate. It is also the starting point of the unique 6-kilometer Funicamp cable car.

In addition to skiing, Andorra is also known for other popular sports: hiking, horseback riding, sled dog tours and stand-up shooting, in which the natives are considered great experts. If you get a permit, you can also try your luck at trout fishing.

Among the tobacco fields, surrounded by ancient mountains, lies the tiny village of Llorts, whose permanent population barely exceeds 100 people. This place is very popular for hiking.

West of the village, two hours' walk away, is a group of picturesque mountain lakes Estanis del Angonella. From Mount Borda de Sorteni (1,970 meters high), a hiking trail leads to the lakes of Estanis del Estani and the 2,915-meter peak known as Peque del Estani. Nearby is also a tiny Romanesque church, famous for its twelfth-century frescoes in surprisingly good condition. The churches and the stone arch bridge are also curious for their unusual architecture.

Испанский город Сео-де-Уржель, лежащий за пределами страны, называется местными жителями “Испанские ворота в Андорру” и часто зовется одним из андоррских городов. “Ла-Сео”, как его окрестили местные жители, некогда был резиденцией епископов и графской семьи Уржельских – выходцев Испании – соправителей Андорры.

The Cathedral of the Catedral de Santa Maria, XII century. The building is not only a prominent landmark in Andorra, but also the most prominent structure in Catalonia. Despite many reconstructions, the cathedral has kept its original appearance. Inside the cathedral there is a unique collection of church utensils, frescoes, sacred writings, as well as a handwritten manuscript, the Beatus, describing the Apocalypse.