TRAVELLER GUIDE - ANDORRA LA VELLA
Andorra:If you are looking for a holiday hotel or apartment in Andorra la Vella, the following information may help by giving you an overview on the resort.
This is the land time almost forgot. Andorra la Vella is the capital city of the principality of Andorra, high in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain. As the name suggests – it mean ‘Andorra the old’ – this was a settlement in the late Neolithic times and the principality was created as an independent state by Charlemagne back in the 18th century. But until realty, Andorra remained a feudal fiefdom, isolated from mainstream European life. The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is a World Heritage Site, representing traditional pastoral life in the high Pyrenees.
But post-World War II development has created a modern city in the mountains – one that swiftly grew to absorb the surrounding villages of Santa Coloma, Escalades and Engordany. It is very apparent how the principality makes its money as a tax haven and tourist destination, with a preponderance of commercial building and hotels, plus endless opportunities for duty-free shopping. Of greater visual interest is the surrounding scenery. Andorra la Vella lies at the confluence of three rushing mountain streams – the Gran Valira, Valira del Oriente and Valira del Norte – and is set beneath towering snow-capped peaks that are a winter skiing paradise.
However, the old town of Andorra la Vella [the Barri Antic] does contain some interesting cobbled medieval streets and characterful stone buildings, the most impressing of which is the early 16th century Casa de la Vall, used since 1707 as the principality’s state house, parliament and sole court. The oldest building in the city is the Santa Coloma Church [9th century, with a 12th century tower]. The 11h century Romanesque Church of Sant Esteve with its 13th century paintings is at the hart of the picturesque old town [which was, in truth, never much more than a large village].
LOCATION OF ANDORRA LA VELLA:The capital of Andorra, it is located in the southwest of Andorra.
SHOPPING IN ANDORRA LA VELLA:Although just a tiny principality Andorra’s capital city has a thriving, stylish, cosmopolitan feel. Avinguda Carlemany and Avinguda Mertixell provide the main shopping streets and are lined with designer boutiques, retail outlets offering leading edge consumer goods, good quality bars and restaurants and duty free supermarkets.
EATING OUT IN ANDORRA LA VELLA:Cuisine is mainly Catalan, and generally expensive. Quality and prices in restaurants are similar to those in small French and Spanish resort towns.
Disclaimer:
By its very nature much of the information in our destination guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
