Centre D’interpretacio Andorra Romanica, La Massana Parish, Andorra

5Eli B 5:00 PM May 25, 2014

If you dont have an all-terrane vehickle plump for walking as the best way to absorb the magic of this mini- state
This has to be your first port of call to get a bearing not only geographically but culturally as well. The centre has the facility to put Andorran puzzles together in a easy to digest manner. Lovely staff with multi lingual opportunities. So lets step outside and begin our discovery tour. Only 10 km divide the City of Bishops from the Andorran border. This mini-state in the heart of the Pyrenees prides itself on being the place where Catalan has been an official language for longest and without periods of suppression. You only have to hear the national anthem,to understand its praises to Charlemagne,paying homage to him as father of the principality. Andorra is anything but romantic,at least at first sight. A bustling atmosphere pervades the free-trade zone,with some hideous buildings and speculative developments incalculably scarring the once picturesque mountain valley. Andorra la Vella - above all the Avinguda Meritxell - looks like a giant supermarket appended to the slopes. Interestingly, languages intermingle as freely as probably the old currencies did. Anyone wanting to discover the original face of Andorra must explore beyond the main streets,preferably in an all-terrane vehicle or go with a tour. One short tour begins with St.Miquel d'Engostasters,which stands proud a short distance from the commercial activity on the edge of Andorra la vella Escaldes. The frescoes are copies of the originals, now resting in a museum,but don't detract from their beauty. There is a famous granite monument on the side of the road to prats This is a "seven-armed-cross", with a weathered Madonna figure gracing its front. The centre of Pal in the mountains to the north-west still retain a fair degree of its original character with its stone facades. the parish church,St. Climent,is flanked by an original belfry with double openings and a vestibule. The round four-storey tower of St Coloma, back in the valley along the main route to Spain is a fine example of its kind. Look above,at the remains of the castle of Roger III of Foix,still towering above the village. There is no better way to appreciate Andorra in 'all its glory',save taking to the mountains on foot perhaps as far as the mountain lakes or to Port de Cabus,where the strenuous climb was well rewarded,followed by a soak in a spa and a generous country meal following. Enjoy

4Kay B 5:00 PM Aug 9, 2014

Fascinating insight into local history
I was the only one there when I visited this small museum, so I had a personal guided tour of the nearby church as well as my own showing of an excellent film about the local history and architecture. Very friendly, English spoken.