Discover Andorra: Old Town, Archaeology and Holiday Apartments

The old town of Andorra consists of narrow streets that adapt to the slopes of Malena and later to the surroundings of the parish church. Renaissance and Baroque buildings include Casa Alcalá and the Baroque Lonja on Plaza de la Iglesia, with three stone arches and an adjoining mansion.

Culture

The Ermita de la Virgen del Pilar is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural, was restored in 2006, built in the 14th century and extended in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is an example of Levantine Gothic. The Iglesia Parroquial de la Natividad de Nuestra Señora is also classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The church building, dating from the end of the 16th century, displays Renaissance architecture in transition to Mannerism; its construction was completed in 1609.

History

El Cabo Archaeological Park is an Iberian settlement from the 5th century BC, reconstructed in plan and elevation using experimental archaeology. After earthworks at ENDESA’s open-cast mine in the Val de Ariño, the most significant archaeological remains and distinctive stone objects were excavated there and moved stone by stone to a slope of Monte San Macario. The park can be visited year-round; with advance booking, guided and dramatized tours are also available.

MWINAS is located in the former mining facilities of the Pozo de San Juan and uses photographs, plans, models, tools and recreated facilities to provide insights into the work and daily life of the miners. The site also includes an outdoor exhibition of large mining machines at the foot of a restored 44-metre-high headframe. From there, visitors can see the mining town and the Val de Ariño.

Experiences

The municipal tourist office offers a guided discovery tour through the old town of Andorra. During Romper la Hora, thousands of people gather at midnight on the night of Maundy Thursday in Plaza del Regallo and play bass drums and drums together. The Cristo de los Tambores procession, also known as the Procession of the Torches, climbs up to San Macario at night, with Christ illuminated by torches.

During Lakuerter Íbera, the population of Andorra is organized into Iberian-inspired clans for the weekend. These include princes, priestesses, sages, warriors and farmers, among others.

Trails and Landscape

Parque de San Macario is a green space on Monte San Macario with wooded shaded areas, a spring, a children’s play area, picnic tables and viewpoints. Ruta del Jabalí is designated as an 18-kilometre hiking route with a duration of five hours and a high level of difficulty. Ruta de los árboles singulares in Andorra is 45 kilometres long, takes nine hours, has a high level of difficulty, leads to all recorded notable trees and returns to the starting point. The Subida al Carnicero route connects Andorra and Alloza and is designated as a seven-kilometre hike with a duration of two hours and a moderate level of difficulty.

The selection remains clearly guided by personal priorities and the desired travel period.

Further destinations: Valbona, Nogueras, La Cerollera, Mora De Rubielos, Valacloche, Abejuela, Tronchón, La Cañada De Verich

To the higher-level travel overview: Teruel.