Overview:

The Church of Santa Coloma d’Andorra la Vella is a 13th-century Roman Catholic church located in Sant Joan de Caselles, in Andorra la Vella, the capital city of the Principality of Andorra. The church is one of the oldest buildings in the country, having been built in the 13th century. It is renowned for its collection of Romanesque frescoes which can still be seen decorating the walls today. The church also served as an official residence for the Bishop of Urgell until 1841. Since then, it has been used for cultural and spiritual events, including concerts, masses and art exhibitions. Its exterior features a beautiful bell tower, which can be seen from afar. The church is open to visitors who wish to admire its architecture and art. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Andorra
Prominent Features:

The Church of Santa Coloma d’Andorra La Vella, built in the 12th century, is a Romanesque church located in the centre of Andorra la Vella, the capital city of Andorra. It is one of the few Romanesque churches in the Valencian Country. The church houses an impressive bell tower that stands tall over the rest of the landscape. Its two facades are architecturally ornate and beautifully decorated with decorations of the Romanesque period such as the Lombard arch and the merlons, a typical medieval element. Other notable features include the Gothic encircled window of the choir and the altarpiece of San Blas. The Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra la Vella also houses a selection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Andorra.

History:

The Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra la Vella dates back to the ninth century when, according to tradition, it was a Benedictine monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In 1278, the abbey was taken over by the Franciscan order who established a convent there. Over the centuries, various renovations and additions were made, including a bell tower which was built in 1629 and a portico which was added in 1766. During the French Revolution, the convent was attacked and the priests were exiled. In 1802, the building was transformed into a parish church, and a new bell tower was built in 1883 to replace the older one. In 1960, major renovation works were carried out on the building, and the façade was given a Baroque style. In 2006, the interior was completely renovated and a sacristy was added. Today, the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra la Vella is the flagship religious building in Andorra la Vella and is considered one of the most important places in the history of the country. Visitors can admire its beautiful interior, which is decorated with murals, frescoes and sculptures. It is also the site of various events throughout the year, including concerts and processions. Visit one of the famous monuments of Andorra with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra la Vella is the oldest parish church in the principality. It was built in the 10th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. It is thought that the current church was built on the site of an original chapel dedicated to St. Celedil, which was installed around 930 A.D. 3. Inside the church, visitors can admire the Romanesque-style altarpiece from the 16th century, a valuable polychrome alabaster Virgen de l’Assumpció or the Catalan paintings of the Madonna and Child. 4. The church’s bell tower, dating from the 11th century, is the oldest building in Andorra that is still standing. 5. During the 19th century, the political and religious leaders of Andorra declared the Church of Santa Coloma d’Andorra la Vella as the official church for the country. 6. In 1993, the church underwent a series of renovations to restore its more original state, while preserving its early architectural features. One of the historical monuments of Andorra, it tells the story of a bygone era