Travel in Andorra – Hotels, Andorra Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide



Andorra: Vacationing In The Pyrenees Mountains

Vacation and Travel to Andorra
Sant Joan de Caselles (Andorra) - Church in Romanesque style

Andorra is a small landlocked country that shares its borders with Spain and France. Andorra is located in western Europe and sits in the Pyrenees mountains. Andorrans are a minority in their own country. The population of this country is made up mainly of French, Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Italians immigrants.

Casa de la Vall is located in the city of La Vella. The building was built as a family home in 1580. In 1702 the Casa de la Villa was bought by the General Council and is now the seat of the Andorra Parliament. The architecture of the building has both military and civil elements. Some of the most important documents have been kept in Casa de la Vall. These documents were kept in a cupboard with seven locks on it. The only time the cupboard could be opened, was when all seven of the chancellors were present. Each of the seven chancellors were given a key to the cupboard and all seven were to open it simultaneously. The building also has an impressive mural in the kitchen that was painted in the 16th century. The Casa de la Vall is steeped in Andorran history and gives visitors a chance to understand the legal system of this country.

In the little village of Santa Coloma is the Santa Coloma Church. Santa Coloma is the oldest church in Andorra. The church is built in the pre-Romanesque style and has undergone many alterations over the centuries. The bell tower of the church was added on, around the 12th century and a portico on the south wall was put on, in the 17th century. The Santa Coloma church has many gorgeous features including a wooden icon of Our Lady of Mercy. Unfortunately, the splendid frescos that once adorned the walls of the church, have been moved to the Prussian Cultural Museum in Berlin. Santa Coloma is still a beautiful church to see in Andorra.

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is a glacial valley located in southeast Andorra. The valley is so isolated and underdeveloped it has made a great haven for many rare animals in Andorra. The landscape of this valley is glacial with pastures and woods surrounding the area. The settlements of Ramio and Entermesaigues sit on the narrow valley floor. The villages were inhabited until about 50 years ago. The settlements are now only used during the summer months. There are 12 house total in the area. The houses are made out of local granite and have schist roofs. The dwellings all have barns attached for grain and hay storage. The houses are surrounded by terraced fields that were used to grow rye and wheat, but now are used for grazing livestock. The only way to access the valley is by foot. Andorra has no plans for building a road to the valley, in order to preserve the site for future generations. Even though the valley is a World Heritage Site, tourism has been kept limited in the area to keep its natural beauty intact.

Skiing in Andorra is the most popular activity during the winter months. With the Pyrenees Mountains surrounding the whole country, makes for a great time on the slopes. The many skiing destinations in the mountains give visitors many choices when selecting a place to ski. Skiing is not the only thing to do in the Pyrenees Mountains, many visitors enjoy ice skating, dog sledding, and snow mobile riding on the abundance of trails. Visitors will find an abundance of winter sports to participate in when traveling through the Pyrenees Mountains.

The Crowne Plaza in Andorra La Vella is a five star hotel. The hotel is located in the center of the city and not far from attractions. The public space of the Crowne Plaza, guests can admire the tapestries made by the famous artist Salvador Dali and couches designed by Le Corbusier. The hotel has many activities for children and does welcome pets. The indoor swimming pool and Turkish bath are a great place to unwind at the end of the day. The service at the Crowne Plaza is impeccable and gives guests a reason to return. The Sport Hotel Village is a crown jewel set in the Pyrenees Mountains. The four star hotel is family friendly and is an ideal place for hitting the slopes. The hotel has an indoor pool and spa. The Sport Village Hotel is right next to the ski lift to the Grandvalira slopes, making it a great place to stay during the winter months.

The country of Andorra is a well kept secret hidden in the Pyrenees Mountains. Andorra is steeped in culture and tradition and with welcoming spirit and enchanting surroundings make Andorra a wonderful place to vacation in Europe.

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