Andorra la Vella, capital of the Pyrenees

Andorra
la Vella,
capital
of the
Pyrenees
ang
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A piece of Andorra
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Andorra la Vella, capital of the Pyrenees
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Capital of historic heritage
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Capital of culture
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Capital of shopping
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Capital of hospitality
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Capital of the Pyrenees
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Capital of sports
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Some practical information
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A piece
of Andorra
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Andorra is a special country. It has a remarkable history,
which explains the reasons for its survival as a nation, with
unusual stability in its geographical borders and forms of
government. Andorra’s independence originates from a feudal agreement signed in 1278. Its unique form of political organisation, the co-lordship exercised originally by the Count
of Foix (today replaced by the President of the French Republic) and the Bishop of Urgell, has survived the centuries
and has been modernised through the constitution of 1993,
when Andorra became a constitutional state: a parliamentary
co-principality, member of the United Nations.
Andorra is at the axial heart of the Pyrenees. It covers an
area of 468 km2 and is the largest of the small states of Europe, but only eight percent of the land is urban: the rest is
a series of mountains, lakes and rivers. Ten percent of the
whole country – the Madriu-Perafita-Claror area – has been
declared by UNESCO as part of the heritage of humanity, for
its exceptional cultural and natural values.
The country is divided into seven parishes, governed by
communes, a medieval institution in origin. The population
is around 76,000 inhabitants. Catalan is the official language
of Andorra. However, the diversity of nationalities among the
resident population means that many other languages are
present, such as Spanish, French and Portuguese.
With its broad offer of shopping, business, sports and culture, Andorra has everything to make your stay among us
unforgettable.
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Andorra la Vella,
capital
of the Pyrenees
Set in the central valley of the River Valira, in the heart of the
country, Andorra la Vella is the ancestral capital of the Valleys. In the middle ages this was where the representatives of
the six historic parishes of Andorra would meet together, in
the Consell de la Terra, the country’s earliest parliament. Today it is the nerve centre of the country, the political, cultural
and commercial capital of Andorra.
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Capital
of historic
heritage
The heritage of the parish is especially rich, interwoven into
the unique history of Andorra, forming a harmonious whole
with its many and varied natural environments, from the valley floor to the high mountain.
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From the beginnings
The earliest setters of Andorra occupied the Balma de la Margineda, on the border with the parish of Sant Julià de Lòria.
This was more than ten thousand years ago, at the end of the
last ice age. We have evidence from later times, especially the
bronze age, with vestiges of dwellings throughout the sunny
parts of Andorra.
Pyrenees. It was built
in two phases: the
nave in the 10th century, and the beautiful bell tower – with
Lombard decoration
and cylindrical, like
that of Sant Vicenç,
dates from the 12th
century. Inside the
church are Romanesque frescos and a
beautiful carving of
the Mare de déu del Remei.
Medieval
splendour
The Romans occupied the strategic Roc d’Enclar, commanding the plain of the central valley, where they produced wine,
and had a fortress from which
they controlled one of the main
passes over the Pyrenees.
Above the rock is the oldest
church in Andorra, Sant Vicenç d’Enclar – built towards
the end of the 7th century, with
its typical cylindrical bell tower.
The climb up to the rock, a halfhour walk from the Carrer dels
Barrers, is a deeply moving
journey into the past.
At the foot of the rock is the town
centre of Santa Coloma, named
for one of the most beautiful
churches in the Romanesque
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Close to Santa Coloma, to the south, is one of the great archaeological discoveries of the Pyrenees: the site of Roureda
de La Margineda. Situated near the main road, high above
the plain, the site is from various ages. The most important
is an impressive medieval fortification, Sant Vicenç fortress,
built around 1190 by Viscount Arnau of Castellbò and which
was the bridgehead of the Counts of Foix in Andorra until the
signature of the second Pariatge, in 1288. The archaeological
works have not yet been completed, but there are guided tours
to visit the site.
Information and bookings:
Tourist information point
(+376) 730 003
[email protected]
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In the capital there are two more Romanesque monuments. In the centre
is the church of Sant Esteve which, in
spite of contemporary restorations, preserves the apse and several elements of
the original construction. The church contains a notable pair of altarpieces and the
famous Quadre de les ànimes, by Joan Casanovas, the most outstanding baroque work
preserved in Andorra. The other Romanesque
church in Andorra la Vella is that of Sant Andreu,
beside the old road to La Massana.
Modern and contemporary
heritage
In the centre of Andorra la Vella is the building with the greatest
symbolic meaning in the country: the Casa de la Vall. This great
noble house, with defensive features and large murals inside
it, was built in 1580 by the priest Busquets. The Consell General – the Andorran parliament – bought it in 1702 for use as
the parliamentary seat. The Consell members met in the Casa
de la Vall and the criminal courts were also held there. In the
The medieval heritage of Andorra la Vella includes
one of the finest examples in La Margineda bridge, narrow
and the most characteristic of all Andorran bridges. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it crossed the Valira for
access to the lower part of the parish,
and has survived, impassive, all kinds
of the downpours. Dating from the
same era is the Creu Grossa, beside the street of the same name
and in the centre of Andorra la Vella.
The original is in the Commune
House, the building which houses the
commune administration services.
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Consell assembly chamber is the legendary Cabinet of the
Seven Keys, which can only be opened if the representatives of
all seven parishes are present with their keys to open the seven
locks, all at the same time.
The new seat of the Consell
General has been built beside the Casa de la Vall.
Information and bookings:
Central booking office
for Andorran national
museums (+376) 839 760
museusandorra@
gmail.com
www.museus.ad
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Sculpture in the streets
Andorra la Vella has, forming part of its artistic heritage, numerous contemporary sculptures located in various parts of
the parish.
More information from the Tourist Office
La Noblesse du Temps, by Salvador Dalí
We find examples of traditional Andorran architecture
in the villages of La Margineda and Santa Coloma
and in the Historic Center
of Andorra la Vella. One of
the best preserved examples, listed in the general
inventory of the Andorran
cultural heritage, is Cal
Closca, in El Pui d’Andorra
la Vella. There are also the
traditional farmhouses of
Casa Cintet, Casa Gui­
llemó and Casa Molines in the Plaça Príncep Benlloch.
There is a guided itinerary, lasting a couple of hours, around
the principal points of interest of the historic centre.
Information and bookings:
Tourist office (+376) 730 003
[email protected]
This sculpture by Salvador Dalí, La Noblesse du Temps, is a
monumental work in bronze, weighing around 1400 kilos and
measuring 4.9 m high, 1.7 m deep and 2.6 m long.
It belongs to a series of large format works and symbolizes the
passing of time. The clockface is set on a tree-trunk and has a
crown which represents the dominion of time over humanity. In
1999 it was granted to the Andorran Government by art collector and trusted friend of Dalí, Enric Sabater.
In 2010 it was installed in its current position in the Plaça de
la Rotonda.
In the 20th century, the opening of Andorra to the world was reflected in the adoption of new architectural forms, but these still
used traditional elements to create a very characteristic style,
genuinely Andorran: known as granite architecture. Buildings
in this style are many. La Torre dels Russos, in Santa Coloma,
by architect Cèsar Martinell, is the foremost example. Walking
along the first part of Avinguda Meritxell, in the centre of the capital, we find others: the Casa Maestre, the old Clínica Vilanova,
Casa Felipó and the former French Co-prince’s Delegate’s
Residence.
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7 poetes
by Jaume Plensa
This is a sculptural group of
seven human figures, referring
back to the stylites of Constantinople, and can be considered
as a metaphor of the seven Andorran parishes. It is an image
of reflection in the midst of the
bustle of the city.
The group stands in the Plaça
Lídia Armengol in Andorra la
Vella, opposite the Commune
administration building and the
new Parliamentary premises.
Casa de la Vall Gardens
Near the Casa de la Vall are three sculptures which are closely
related with central events in the history of Andorra: La Morisca, by Josep Viladomat, in
homage to the New Reform
of 1866, the Setè Centenari
del 1r Pariatge, by Luigi Terruggi, and the Proclamació
de la Constitució, by Emili
Armengol.
Other works
The internal garden
of Prada Casadet
Opposite the Prada Casadet
commune parking place there
is a patio, open to the public
during the day, where there
is an excellent display of contemporary sculpture, the property of Grup Immobiliari Cierco.
Among others, we can see
Overflow, by Jaume Plensa,
Mobili 2001, by Miquel Barceló, Doble Imagen, by Manolo
Valdés, and Robot en Suspensió, by Paul Van Hoeydonck.
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From the southern access to
the parish, at the Margineda
roundabout, where we are
welcomed by the sculpture
by Andreu Alfaro, 1r Congrés
de la Llengua, to the boundary with Escaldes-Engordany, there is a large variety
of works spread around all
corners of Andorra la Vella.
Pieces – among others – by
Josep Viladomat, Sergi Mas,
Roger Mas, Judit Gasset,
Joan Brossa, Neria Aixàs,
Joan Canal, etc. Every stroll
involves discoveries.
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Capital
of culture
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The city – which forms an urban continuity with Escaldes – offers visitors an important shopping route with a hotel infrastructure of the first order, and wide variety of gastronomy.
Contemporary and popular culture coexist in Andorra la Vella
and mutually influence each other. Past and present, tradition and modernity, live together here and complement each
other. The festive calendar follows the celebrations throughout the year.
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The Falles
The festive
calendar
Christmas
The Christmas celebrations begin
with the Santa Llúcia market on
around 13 December, with stands
selling gifts and craft pieces. On
24 December Father Christmas
arrives at the parish. At the end of
that day, after the midnight mass,
flat bread and chocolate are
served to combat the cold.
On 5 January, in the evening, the
streets of Andorra and Escaldes
are full of expectation and magic
with the largest cavalcade in the Pyrenees, prepared to receive the Three Kings.
On the Eve of St. John’s Day, 23 June,
the Fallaires of Andorra go round the
streets of the historic centre rolling
spectacular figures made of burning
birch bark, in an ancestral ceremony of
fire and light, for which an application will be
made for its declaration as part of the intangible heritage of humanity.
The Contrapàs dance
The main festival of Andorra la Vella takes place on
the first weekend in August. On the Sunday, at one
o’clock, in the Plaça del Poble, people dance the traditional
Contrapàs, a ceremonial dance full of character, directed by
members of the Esbart Dansaire of Andorra la Vella, a group
created in 1981 and one of Andorra’s cultural ambassadors.
Escudella for Sant Antoni
On the morning of 17 January, members of the Confraria
d’Escudellaires d’Andorra (the Brotherhood of “Escudella”
cooks) is shared at midday among the neighbours and
passers-by.
Carnival
Group with strange figures and disguises, the trial in public of the Carnival King and a sausage feast are the
central events in the days devoted to
indulgence before the beginning og
Lent. One of the most typical events at
Carnival time is that held by the Consòrcia dels Casats, a welfare brotherhood which was founded in 1776.
Sant Jordi
St. George’s day on 23 April is celebrated in the Plaça del Poble, with a
market full of stands selling books and
roses, public readings and with many
authors present.
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Main festivals
During the summer, as well as in the capital, main festivals are
held in the districts of El Puial and Santa Coloma, in mid-June
and the last weekend in August, respectively.
Livestock market
27 October is the date for the Livestock Fair, a re-enactment
of the traditional autumn market when Andorran and other
livestock farmers sold cattle, mules and donkeys and made
their deals.
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Cultural programmes
Cultural itineraries
The Andorra la Vella Morabanc music
and dance season
Historic centre
The music and dance season during the winter months offers top level programming, with contributions by international
artistes. The performances take place at the Congress Centre
in Andorra la Vella.
The theatre season
The theatre season, together with Sant
Julià de Lòria, presents shows on tour
and also productions by local companies. These take place at the Teatre
Comunal and, depending on the staging, the Congress Centre.
The historic centre of Andorra la Vella comprises the districts of
Pui, Puial, Cap del Carrer, Barri Antic, Plaça Rebés and Plaça
del Poble. The historic centre is the oldest part of the city. Its urban structure has not changed with the passage of time, with its
narrow streets, little squares and
some fine old houses, evidence
of the traditional style of building.
The historic centre has preserved
its personality alongside the growing city. Today it is the subject of
plans to reinvigorate the area,
with the aim of restoring the role
of the traditional trades. Many
occasions in traditional Andorran
culture – the intangible heritage
which follows a seasonal festive
cycle – take place in the setting of
the historic centre.
Dijousderock
On Thursday nights
in the months of July
and August Andorran
rock groups have a stage
reserved for them where they
can present their music.
Exhibition hall
The Government exhibition Hall opened its doors in 1990. This
space can be used for many kinds of exhibitions, although
these are essentially artistic; the artists exhibiting are both national and international.
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Rocks in the Street
The Rocks in the Street Museum is a promenade around the
geological history of Andorra. We can come close to it while
walking around the streets in the centre. The route begins in
the Central Park.
www.roquesalcarrer.ad
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Green Ring
The urban centre of Andorra la Vella is circled by two irrigation
channels built in the 19th century: the Solà (sunny) irrigation
channel and the Obac (shady) irrigation channel. These have
been converted into flat walks, easy to get to from the centre
and with grand views over the city, in addition to their geological and botanical interest. The Green Ring project helps us to
understand the historical development of the parish through
understanding its cultural landscape.
The heritage arch: Santa Coloma – La Margineda
Taking as a starting point the car park at
Enclar, an itinerary has been designed
– The heritage arc – which combines
all the points of heritage interest in the
south of the parish. The route is around five
kilometres, mostly using paths, and can be
completed comfortably in a couple of hours,
allowing for a relaxed visit to some of the main
monuments of Andorra: the church of Santa Coloma, the Torre dels Russos, the rock shelter and
the bridge at La Margineda, and the Roureda de La
Margineda archaeological site.
Information:
Tourist office (+376) 730 003
There are several self-guide itineraries, easy to follow, which can be
enjoyed throughout the year.
• The agricultural transformation of
the valley (rising 142 m, the route
700 m long).
• The growth and urban development of the valley (rising 76 m,
the route 800 m long).
• The human being and adaptation to natural risks (rising
180 m, the route 800 m long).
Booklets are available free from the Tourist Office
www.andorralavella.ad
Tourist bus
From June to September, the tourist bus offers six different
routes, designed so that you can visit the most interesting
places in the country in a pleasant and easy way.
Information and bookings:
Tourist office (+376) 730 0 03
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Capital
of shopping
Andorra la Vella is the commercial capital of the Pyrenees. Its
streets and avenues form an immense open shopping area,
where you can find the most exclusive articles, the latest
world novelties and the must surprising specialities, at prices
without competition. The shops in Andorra la Vella are waiting
to welcome you with an enormous variety of products.
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The shopping streets
Avinguda Meritxell
Avinguda Meritxell is the longest shopping avenue in the
Pyrenees, and is the backbone of the city. For many years
Avinguda Meritxell has attracted a large number of tourists,
due to its great variety of fashion articles, jewellery, perfumery
and electronic goods of the most exclusive brands. Here also,
you can find large shopping malls offering a great diversity of
products, as well as hotels and restaurants.
Prada Ramon
Prada Ramon, close to the main line
of Avinguda Meritxell and including
carrer Maria Pla, carrer Bonaventura
Riberaygua and neighbouring streets,
has become a dynamic trading area. The
offer is broad and you will find here clothes
and accessories, perfumes and department
stores, and a large variety of cafés and restaurants where you can restore your forces
between visits to the shops. This area also has
three public car parks.
Santa Coloma
Avinguda de Santa Coloma is the specialist area for motor enthusiasts. Here you will find many shops devoted exclusively
to equipment and accessories for motorcars and motorbikes.
You can also get equipped from head to foot in the latest fashion for bikers.
Trading hours
Andorra enjoys great flexibility in trading hours in all the commercial establishments. Some shops remain open until 9 or
10 p.m. for dates and periods when there are many tourists.
The shops are only closed for 4 days a year: January 1st,
March 14th (Constitution Day) when not a weekend, September 8th (Meritxell, the National Day) and December 25th.
More information:
www.visitandorra.com
Historic center
The historic centre of the capital is traditionally the trading
heart of Andorra la Vella, with family businesses, specialised
and friendly, offering personal attention to make you feel at
home. A little village in the midst of a big city. In its streets you
can also find a great variety of restaurants.
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Customs allowances
You have to declare to Customs all the products which exceed
the personal allowances. Special limits can also be applied for
animals or plants, live animals, species in danger of extinction,
medicaments, arms, ammunition, art objects and collectables,
currency, gold and means of payment.
Agricultural products
• Coffee: 1,000 g of coffee or
400 g of coffee extract.
• Tea: 200 g of tea or 80 g of tea
extract.
• Alcoholic beverages*: 1.5 l of
beverages over 22 degrees or
3 l of liqueurs or aperitifs under
22 degrees or sparkling wine,
5 l of table wine.
• Tobacco*: 300 cigarettes or
150 cigars (less than 3 g each)
or 75 cigars (over 3 g each) or 400 g of pipe tobacco.
• Other agricultural products: Up to a value of 300 euro**,
but not more than: 2.5 kg powdered milk, 3 kg condensed
milk, 6 kg fresh milk, 1 kg butter, 4 kg cheese, 5 kg of sugar
and sweets, 5 kg of meat.
Industrial products
Maximum quantities and amounts per person.
• Perfumes: 75 g perfumes + 375 ml of colognes.
• Other industrial products: Up to a value of €900**.
* For these products, those under 17 years have no allowance.
** For those under 15 years, the EC Member States can reduce the allowance as a maximum to half the quantities mentioned.
Information provided by the Andorran Customs Service
Andorran Government
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Trade fairs and congresses
The Congress Centre
Andorra la Vella Congress Centre, situated at the nerve centre
of the city and in an unbeatable location, is the ideal setting for
the holding of professional events.
The total area is 4,200 m2, laid out in facilities such as an auditorium, five functional rooms, a meeting room and a kitchen
to serve meals. There is also a parking service for those attending.
The team of professionals guarantees precision, creativity and
quality in the supply of services, since the aim and object is
the success of your event. The audiovisual technology and
the functionality of the Centre enable an optimum result to be
achieved in the organisation of any kind of event.
Information: Congress Centre (+376) 730 005
[email protected]
www.andorralavella.ad
Andorra la Vella Fair
Since 1978 the third weekend of October has been the occasion for the Andorra la Vella Fair, held in a great marquee
set up in the car park area of Central Park. The fair occupies an area of more than 12,000 m2, with more than 150
stands for businesses and institutions of Andorran and from
the neighbouring states. Beside the great marquee there is
also the Entities Fair, where some fifty associations present
their activities.
As a supplement there is the Craft Fair, located along the riverside, from the Plaça
de la Rotonda to the entrance to the
Central Park. This fair brings together
more than 40 craft people from Andorra and neighbouring regions who
offer, among others, an extensive variety of food products.
Information: (+376) 730 004
[email protected]
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Capital
of hospitality
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Hotels
The hotel offer in the parish of Andorra
la Vella is of the first order, with a total
of 4.925 beds in establishments of all
categories: hotels, aparthotels, tourist
apartments,1 camp site and 1 hostel.
Hotels
Andorra Center **** .......................................... (+376) 824 800
Andorra Palace ***............................................ (+376) 873 601
Andorra Park Hotel *****.................................... (+376) 877 777
Arthotel ****....................................................... (+376) 760 303
Bellpí ***............................................................ (+376) 804 935
Cal Forner *....................................................... (+376) 866 880
Cassany ***....................................................... (+376) 820 636
Celler d’en Toni **.............................................. (+376) 821 252
Cérvol ***............................................................(+376) 803 111
Diplomàtic ****................................................... (+376) 802 780
Eurostars Andorra Centre *****....................... (+376) 8886 800
Festa Brava ***.................................................. (+376) 820 741
Florida ***.......................................................... (+376) 820 105
Fonts (les) **...................................................... (+376) 821 393
Garcia *............................................................. (+376) 820 968
Hespèria Andorra la Vella ****........................... (+376) 880 880
Holiday Inn *****................................................ (+376) 874 444
Hostal & Pub Barri Antic ................................... (+376) 845 969
Husa Cèntric ****............................................... (+376) 877 500
Indalo **............................................................. (+376) 821 871
Isard (de l’) ***................................................... (+376) 876 800
Jaume I ***........................................................ (+376) 820 061
Màgic Andorra ****............................................ (+376) 876 900
Mercure ****....................................................... (+376) 873 602
Novotel ****........................................................ (+376) 873 603
Pitiusa ***.......................................................... (+376) 861 816
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Plaza *****......................................................... (+376) 879 444
President ****..................................................... (+376) 877 277
Pyrénées ***...................................................... (+376) 879 879
Residència Jaume I **....................................... (+376) 820 061
Rosa (la) *......................................................... (+376) 821 810
Sàlvia d’Or (la) ***............................................. (+376) 827 200
Sant Jordi **...................................................... (+376) 876 200
Tívoli *** ............................................................ (+376) 804 265
Valmar **........................................................... (+376) 821 667
Aparthotels
Domus *............................................................. (+376) 825 428
Fontverd **........................................................ (+376) 803 525
Maragall *.......................................................... (+376) 825 428
Pisos a dies *..................................................... (+376) 331 330
Inns
Alberg la Comella *........................................... (+376) 730 006
Camping Sites
Valira **............................................................. (+376) 722 384
Gastronomy
Andorran cuisine is simple but rich, based on the traditional
recipes of the Pyrenean mountains. Besides the tasty
and substantial dishes from the old times in
Andorra, you can find more creative chefs
and establishments offering international cuisine.
The historic centre is home to a large
variety of establishments, including
those considered to be the best restaurants in the country. The combination of
traditional gastronomy with this outstanding architectural setting is one of the great
attractions of the restaurants in this area.
* You can find them in the list attached.
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Capital
of the Pyrenees
In Andorra the natural heritage always has a cultural component: interaction between man and his environment is a
constant factor. This is one of the great attractions of nature
in the country: the dialogue between the majesty of the Pyrenees and the efforts made by man in order to live here. In
the parish of Andorra la Vella there are many itineraries in the
mountains to be enjoyed, with various degrees of difficulty.
We offer you below a sample of the possibilities:
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Madriu-Perafita-Claror,
World heritage site
One of the ways into the nature area of Madriu-PerafitaClaror, declared World heritage site by UNESCO in 2006, is
from the Obac or shady side of Andorra, by well signposted
paths leading up to Prat Primer and the pass of La Caülla,
through the woods of Palomera. The protected area, which
is shared between four parishes (Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra
la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany and Encamp), is a magnificent
example of the natural and cultural environments in the mountain ecosystems.
From Prat Primer
to L’estany de la
Nou
The above route can be completed by going on up to La Nou lake,
reached by going over the pass of
Prat Primer at 2,493 m, in a high
mountain itinerary. La Nou lake, in
contrast to most of the lakes of the
Pyrenees, collects river water and always has the same level,
due to contributions from aquifers. It is the southernmost lake
in the Principality and also the warmest. As an alternative to
returning by Prat Primer, there is a way down by the Perafita
valley and the Madriu valley.
(320 m upward climb, 290 m down, 3.1 km distance, takes 90’)
The Prat Primer
path
The path starts from the picnic site
at La Comella and is very straight
and demanding. It rises
900 m in little more
than three kilometres, taking
us up to the mountain refuge of Prat
Primer, one of the entrances to the
Madriu-Perafita-Claror area. The big
change in altitude allows us to see how
the plants and landscape change as we
ascend. There are colonies of marmots
which are easy to see at the upper levels.
(900 m climb, 3 km distance, takes 3-4 hours)
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The shady
paths
The wooded and shaded
slopes of Andorra are crisscrossed by a network of
paths which allow itineraries
to be arranged to measure,
sometimes connecting with
those going into the MadriuPerafita-Claror area.
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Short route
around the Springs
This brief route, which goes from the
Comella picnic site, allows you to visit some of the springs on the shady
side of Andorra la Vella, in an itinerary which runs through the Palomera
woods.
(160 m climb, 1.3 km distance, takes 50’)
The path to Serrat
and the holm oaks
of La Comella
This path allows you to visit one of the
few holm oak woods in Andorra. It connects with the path from La Costa and
from the Obac irrigation channel.
(230 m climb, 2 km distance, takes 35’)
The oak
woods on
the path
from La Costa
The path from La Costa, with some
paved sections, runs through the
midst of magnificent oak woods, with
undergrowth of enormous variety
and quality, where you can see a
great number of plants and the rich
animal life in the medium mountain
altitudes in Andorra. The route starts
from the Serradells swimming pool,
which is reached from the Obac irrigation channel, and arrives at the
road to La Comella, from where you
can return via the Serrat path.
(163 m climb, 500 m distance, takes 40’)
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The Solà paths
The Solà of Andorra la Vella is dominated by the sharpness
of the Enclar ridge, abrupt, full of scree, with plants clinging to
the rocks. Walking along the Solà irrigation channel is the best
way to appreciate the great botanical and geological variety of
he mountain range, but there are also some excursions which
allow us to go on into more accessible areas.
The Enclar valley
The Carrer dels Barrers in Santa Coloma is the start of the
path which, passing by scree, goes to the little hill of Sant
Vicenç. The path continues to the left and you can visit the
pre-Romanesque church of Sant Vicenç and the Roc d’Enclar
archaeological site. To the right, the path continues straight
on in the direction of the mountain range, passing through a
wild valley where you may see raptors and also large animals:
Pyrenean chamois, roe deer and wild boar.
(350 m climb, 1,600 m distance, takes 2 h 30’)
Information and bookings:
Tourist office (+376) 730 003
[email protected]
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Sportspeople are provided for with many sports facilities in
Andorra la Vella, outstanding among which is the Olympic
swimming pool at the Serradells Sports Centre.
The facilities, combined with a hostel infrastructure both
comfortable and competitive, make Andorra la Vella an excellent international sports centre. The sub-Mediterranean
mountain climate and the altitude of the Commune Stadium,
the Olympic swimming pool and open areas make it very suitable for training activities. The climatic conditions, combined
with an average altitude ideal for the rapid adaptation of the
body to new environmental factors, are optimum for short
sports stays or for passing from higher to lower altitudes.
Also, just a few minutes from the city, there are the two largest skiing areas in the Pyrenees and a cross-country skiing
station, together with a whole country to be explored.
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Capital
of sports
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Sports facilities
Serradells Sports
Centre
The Serradells Sports Centre was built in 1991 for the
Games of the Small States
of Europe. The facilities
have been extended in recent years. There are an
Olympic swimming pool, a
teaching swimming pool,
an outside swimming pool
for the summer, a covered
pavilion of 45 x 23 m, three
squash courts, an open tennis
court and five covered paddle
courts. There are also a gym
for body building, four fitness
rooms, an artistic gymnastics room, an area for water
and relaxation, and a target
shooting range. There is also
a sports medicine centre, a
shop, a hairdresser and beauty centre, and a bar restaurant
with an area for children and
a car park.
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Commune Stadium
This amenity, located in
Avinguda de Salou, has a
six-lane athletics track, a
grass football field 100 x 65
m, two areas for long jump,
high jump and pole vault,
and an area for weight putt.
There is also an open multipurpose games court of
40 x 20 m, and a covered
pavilion, also 40 x 20 m.
The car park and bar are
supplementary services.
St. Ermengol Football 7 Field
This facility, located at St. Ermengol School, has an artificial
grass field measuring 75 x 50 m for football 7.
There are two lateral fields of 50 x 36 m or a single field of
75 x 50 m.
National Stadium
Close to the Andorran sports centre, this was, in 1971, the first
of the existing sports facilities to be built in the parish. 22 November 2014 was the date of opening the new National Stadium, with capacity for 3,315 spectators, for football and rugby.
Andorra sports centre
This multipurpose area, located on the Baixada del Molí, is designed for various team games at high competition level (basketball, volleyball, six-a-side football, skating, etc.) as well as
other individual sports, such as rhythmic gymnastics, judo and
karate. At the end of September 2014 the remodelling of this
facility was completed, following the requirements for adaptation to the ACB league.
Joan Alay Pavilion
This multipurpose space, an annex to the Andorra sports centre, is for basketball, six-a-side football and volleyball, as well as
other individual sports.
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Climbing routes and via ferrata
Solà d’Enclar route
This is the location with the most climbing routes in the whole
country. It is at an altitude of 1,100 m, in the southwest. Climbing is possible all year round. There are 4 climbing sectors:
Cementiri, Bigabloc, Esfinx and Santa Coloma.
How to get there: Going down Avinguda Santa Coloma towards Sant Julià de Lòria, turn onto the road towards the cemetery. Take the path leading from the right-hand corner of the
car park, leading to the foot of the wall.
Characteristics:
• 72 routes
• 78 routes of 1 length, 8 long routes, granite
• Material required: parabolts and chemical anchorages
• Difficulty: from 5a to 7c
Pyramid
This is an impressive wall 150 m high, at an altitude of 1,200 m.
in the southwest of the country. Here you can enjoy this sport
all year round and also enjoy the sun which shines all day.
How to get there: Going down Avinguda Santa Coloma towards Sant Julià de Lòria, turn towards Carrer Gil Torres and
follow the path marked with yellow points.
Characteristics:
• 29 routes
• 24 of 1 length, 13 long routes, granite
• Material required: parabolts
• Difficulty: from 5a to 7a
Llastra de l’Obac
This is a fairly flat rock located towards
the northeast. There are only 3 climbing
routes. We recommend choosing fairly
dry days, as there is a lot of surrounding
vegetation.
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How to get there: Take the path of the Obac irrigation channel
from Avinguda Tarragona, and after a hundred metres you find
the path which leads to the climbing routes.
Characteristics:
• 3 routes, limestone rock
• Material required: chemical anchorages
• Difficulty: from 5a to 6b+
Roc d’Enclar via ferrata
At the start of the path going up to the
Rock d’Enclar, which is accessed from
the Carrer dels Barrers in Santa Coloma,
there is also the start of via ferrata 270 m
long, with al the equipment needed to ensure an amazing climb. It is essential to have
a hard helmet, harness, dissipator and proper
footwear.
• Distance: 270 m
• Climb: 190 m
• Time: 15 min (getting there) - 1 h 30’ (climb) - 25 min (descent)
• Difficulty: average
• When: all year
• You undertake this activity at your own risk and responsibility.
• Do not use the via ferrata in bad weather.
• Before starting, check the weather forecast.
• Keep yourself systematically secured to the cable.
• Avoid crowding on the vertical parts.
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Cycle tourism
The tough mountain passes, the spectacular landscapes, the
richness of the cultural and natural heritage and the many options offered in the country are, without question, the main attractions for cycling tourism in Andorra.
La Comella pass
• Distance: 4.3 km
• Climb: 348 m
• % gradient: 8.1 %
The Andorra 11 Cycle Route ascends
all along the CS-101 until arriving at the
top of La Comella, at 1,347 metres. It is
category 2 (accessible).
The route has an average gradient of 8.1 %,
with a climb rising 348 metres over 4.3 kilometres distance. This cycling route has formed
part of the programme of various well-known
cycle races, such as the Catalan Cycling Week,
for more than 30 years.
You find this and other cycling routes In the
Cycle Tourism Guide to Andorra.
Leisure spaces
Central Park
The Central Park is the largest urban green area in the capital, an
oasis where you can rest from the
demands of the shopping round. It
has a total of 33,000 m2 laid out in
different areas, such as areas for
children, for young people, green
zones and water features, and a
skatepark.
In the summer there is an area for
beach volleyball. There are services of car parking, toilets, telephones and a restaurant bar with
terrace.
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River promenade
All lovers of open air sports will enjoy the promenade beside
the River Valira, which goes from Andorra la Vella to Santa
Coloma. Part of the stretch is also adapted for joggers.
Picnic site at La Comella
With an area of more than 16,500 m2, the picnic area is an
ideal setting for a barbecue with family or friends, with the panorama of the sunny side of Andorra in front of you.
• 22 stone tables for 6-8 persons each
• 5 fireplaces for 6 grills
• 5 water sources
• 5 rubbish collection points
• 1 WC adapted for those with reduced mobility
• 1 access ramp for wheelchairs and prams
• 2 wood stores
• 1 car park for vehicles with
12 places
Obac irrigation
channel path
This begins at the Escaldes
crossroads, on Avinguda de
Tarragona, and arrives at Serradells. The path is broader
due to the irrigation channel
being covered and is a perfect
route for running.
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Some
practical
information
Visas
Andorra does not require a visa from any nationality.
For more information on documents required for children or
animals consult
www.exteriors.ad
GMT hours
Andorra shares the same time zone as its neighbouring countries, Spain and France.
Electricity
220 V.
Climate
The Andorran climate is Mediterranean mountain type, with
hot summers and cold winters with substantial snowfall. The
average minimum is -2ºC and the maximum is 24ºC. Snowfall
is frequent, and rain is mostly between October and May.
Official currency
The currency in use in Andorra is the euro.
Money can be changed at any banking entity and there are
automatic cash dispensers. The use of international credit
cards is recommended, such as Visa, and Mastercard, among
others.
Generally, banks in the country have the same opening hours:
Monday to Friday, from 09.00 h to 17.00 h with no midday
closing.
Citizen safety
The location of the country in the Pyrenees and the qualified
police and customs services contribute to a high level of citizen
security and guarantee tranquillity for visitors during their stay.
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Public transport
All the public transport lines in Andorra can be consulted at
www.transportpublic.ad
Urban lines
Every parish has a commune transport service which links the
small centres which are not covered by the main routes of the
inter-urban lines.
Interurban lines
Various urban lines link the parishes, with the main stopping
places found on the busiest streets in the urban centres. Tickets can be bought directly on the bus. The service hours are
generally from 07.00 h to 21.00 h.
Express Bus
This is the fastest and most frequent line linking the urban
centres of each parish with the capital. The route crosses the
country by secondary roads to avoid the heavily populated
centres. The Express bus is identified by its orange colour and
its stops are on the outskirts of the urban centres.
International lines
There are regular lines linking Andorra with Seu d’Urgell, Barcelona (and its airport), Lleida (and the AVE station), Tarragona and Toulouse in the Languedoc, among other destinations.
Roaming
If during your stay in Andorra la Vella you need to use your
mobile apparatus or connect with the Internet, we advise you
to enquire about your operator’s prices for data services in
roaming.
You can also consult the prices of the local operator, Andorra
Telecom, at the offices in Avinguda Meritxell, 111, Andorra la
Vella, or on the web
www.andorratelecom.ad
Andorra does not belong to the EU.
Free Wi-Fi networks
You will find these marked on the central plan:
• Tourist office La Rotonda
• Plaça del Poble
• Prada Casadet public library
• All along Avinguda Meritxell
Car Parks
Andorra la Vella has more than 4,500 parking places spread
around 21 public and private car parks for public use.
Taxis
• Taxi Association of Andorra: (+376) 863 000
• Express Taxi: (+376) 812 345
Lost property
The Andorran Police Department is in charge of receiving reports of lost property. Also, if you find any lost property, you
should go to the Police and leave it with the officers on duty.
Police: (+376) 872 000
www.policia.ad
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Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, call:
• Police
(+376) 872 000 / Emergencies: 110
• Fire Brigade
(+376) 800 020 / Emergencies: 118
• Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell
(+376) 871 000
• Urgent Medical Service (SUM)
116
• Ambulance
(+376) 800 020 / Emergencies: 118
• Mountain Rescue
112
Edita: Comú d’Andorra la Vella
Fotografies: © Comú d’Andorra la Vella
Maquetació i disseny gràfic: A-Tracció-A
Dipòsit legal: AND.575-2013
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www.andorralavella.ad
Tourist office
Plaça de la Rotonda, s/n
AD500 Andorra la Vella
Tel.: (+376) 730 003
[email protected]
turismeandorralavella
@turismeandorra
#turismeandorralavella
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