Overview:

The Church of Sant Joan de Caselles is a Roman Catholic church located in Canillo, in the small European country of Andorra. Built in the 12th century, the church is constructed in the style of a Romanesque basilica and is one of the oldest still-standing churches in the country. The church is still used as a place of worship and is a popular tourist attraction for people visiting the principality. The church was declared a national monument in 1976, and it serves as an important part of the country's cultural heritage. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Andorra
Prominent Features:

- 11th century architectural masterpiece - Romanesque structure - Single-nave with side chapels and vaulted ceiling - Ornate stone sculptures - Monumental entrance gate adorned with Roman figures - Liturgical paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries by Andorran painters - Regionally significant stained glass windows from the 19th century - Preservation of the original altar - Unique Romanesque bell tower - Distinctly curved roofing tiles - Well-kept gardens surrounding the church with beautiful benches You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Andorra.

History:

The Church of Sant Joan de Caselles is an ancient place of Catholic worship in Canillo, in the principality of Andorra. The church belongs to the parish of Canillo and it is administered by the parish priest of the parish. Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, records show that the church existed in the 11th century. Originally, the church was originally a fairly small structure, built with a typical single door and a modest octagonal bell tower. It was remodelled around the 16th century, and soon after the Romanesque bell tower was amended and an additional entry door was added. During the Baroque period, further additions were made to the church including the porch, the stairs, and the cloister. In 1744, the Bishop of Urgell remodelled the interior of the church, adding the current altarpiece and communion arch, which was replaced in 1781. The baroque altarpiece is quite elaborate, with various paintings depicting religious scenes, and intricate sculpted details on the altarpiece as well. The church was also expanded during this time, with lengthened side walls and a larger altar area. Sant Joan de Caselles suffered significant damage during a fire in the late 19th century, and it underwent renovations prior to its reopening in 1892. The church was designated a Cultural Heritage Site in 1993, and it has since been restored and maintained for public use. Today, the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles remains a popular place of worship for locals and tourists alike. Services are still held at the church each Sunday, and visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the interior to learn more about the church's history and architecture. Although the original structure has been modified significantly over its history, the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles still stands as a reminder of the religious and cultural history of Andorra, encapsulating the nation's rich heritage and beliefs. Visit one of the famous monuments of Andorra with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Sant Joan de Caselles is a 17th century Roman Catholic church in Canillo, in Andorra. 2. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. The church was restored and completed in 1720 with the assistance of citizens from the nearby parish of Sant Julià de Lòria. 4. The church features a 16th-century belfry, and two additional altars. 5. It houses many artworks and relics, such as a painting of the Virgin Mary done by Joaquim Sunyer in 1820, and a 14th century silver and ivory crucifix with three steps. 6. There is also a 15th century wooden crucifix. 7. A number of old texts and documents, dating back to the 15th century, are also preserved in the church archives. 8. The church is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors taking advantage of its architecture, art, and history. One of the historical monuments of Andorra, it tells the story of a bygone era