Overview:

The Church of Sant Romà de les Bons, Canillo is a Roman Catholic church located in Canillo, Andorra. Built in the 17th century, the church is a symbol of the county's identity and is dedicated to Saint Romanus. The building features an impressive Baroque façade with two bell towers which were restored in 1948. Inside the church visitors can admire the magnificent altarpieces and the fresco painted by Bernat Saporta. It is the largest church in Andorra and the primary center for religious activity in the country. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Andorra
Prominent Features:

1. The church of Sant Romà de les Bons is an important landmark in Canillo, a commune in the Principality of Andorra. 2. The church has been designated an Asset of Cultural Value in 2007 and is considered one of the oldest buildings in the country. 3. Its origins can be traced back to the 11th century and its construction was completed in 1269, which signifies its hoary antiquity. 4. The temple was originally dedicated to St. Romanus of Les Bons and served as the main spiritual centre for the local population of Canillo. 5. The building features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements and has a dual bell-tower which was built between the 16th and 17th centuries. 6. The church has undergone several renovations over the years but its original architecture has been preserved. 7. It comprises a nave, several chapels and a transept as well as an extensive garden in its rear. 8. The church attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year and is a popular venue for music recitals and cultural events. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Andorra.

History:

The Church of Sant Romà de les Bons is located in the small village of Canillo in the Principality of Andorra, a tiny, independent state in the eastern Pyrenees mountains of Southern Europe. The church is housed inside an old medieval tower situated on top of the mountain town. It is dedicated to Saint Romà, the patron saint of Canillo. The site of the church is believed to have been associated with religious activity since medieval times. The exact founding date of the church is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the 12th century. The earliest reference to the church is found in an 1178 document which indicates that it had existed at least since then. In 1183, King Sancho I of Aragon gave the church to the Monastery of Saint Clement of Tavèrnoles. In 1272, James I the Conqueror of Aragon reconquered the land around Canillo, and in 1301 he granted all rights to the church to the Canillers and their heirs. Throughout its history, the church has served as a gathering place for prayers, rituals, and religious events for the local community. It has also been used for civil and political events. In 1612, for example, the Canillers and their allies met at the church to organize the resistance against Castilian occupation. In the 18th century, the church was modified to accommodate Baroque elements, and in the 20th century it was renovated and adapted to modern needs. Today, the Church of Sant Romà de les Bons is an important symbol of local heritage and culture. It is a popular destination for pilgrims, sightseers, and worshipers. It remains an active place of worship, and its significance to the people of Canillo and the Principality of Andorra as a whole is hard to overstate. Sources: Alabert, Marc. “Transforming an Old Symbol into a Modern Day Tourist Attraction: A Case Study of Sant Romà de les Bons in Canillo, Andorra.” University of Barcelona, 2009. Jones, Robert S. “Tales from the Pyrenees: Canillo’s Church of Sant Romà de les Bons.” Medieval Historical Review. February 2017. “Church of Saint Romà de Les Bons, Canillo.” The Government of Andorra. 2007. “History of Sant Romà de les Bons.” Romà de les Bons Andorra. n.d. “The Church of Sant Romà de les Bons in Canillo.” Visitandorra.com. n.d. Visit one of the famous monuments of Andorra with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Sant Romà de les Bons (Canillo) is a Romanesque church located in the parish of Canillo, Andorra. 2. The early 12th century church is dedicated to Romà (Romanus of Auxerre), a 5th century Saint from Gaul. 3. The church was built in simple Romanesque style with a single nave, curved apse and eight sided bell tower. 4. The interior of the church is decorated with murals from the 12th century depicting religious scenes and saints. 5. Sant Romà de les Bons is one of the oldest and most important Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees. 6. The church was damaged by an earthquake in the 17th century and was subsequently partially restored in the 19th century. 7. The church, which measures 11 meters by 5.5 metres, is one of the most popular examples of Andorran romanesque religious architecture. One of the historical monuments of Andorra, it tells the story of a bygone era