Overview:

is a Romanesque church located in the hamlet of Cortinada, in the parish of Ordino. It is one of the oldest churches in Andorra and is believed to have been built in the 12th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours and is noted for its Gothic interior features. It is one of the most visited historic monuments in the country, as many visitors come to take in its impressive architecture and admire the old frescoes and other artwork that are still present inside the building. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Andorra
Prominent Features:

The Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada is a Roman Catholic church located in Ordino, one of the seven parishes of the Principality of Andorra. The church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the patron saint of the parish. The original building dates to 1573 and it underwent a major renovation in the 19th century. The church features a baroque façade and a Gothic-style interior, with an elevated pulpit, a carved wooden reredos, and a retable from the 18th century. It also has one of the oldest bronze bells in the Pyrenees, dating to the 16th century. The church is surrounded by a cemetery where several notable members of the parish are interred. The parish of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, including the church, has been designated a Cultural Good of National Interest by the Government of Andorra. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Andorra.

History:

The first mention of the Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada in the Principality of Andorra is in the records from 1413 AD. It is believed that this church was built at the same time that the Castle of the Count of Urgell was being built, which is also located in the Cortinada area of Ordino. In the 15th century, the church was part of a parish that also included the churches of Sent Roma d'Ordino and Canòlich. In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the area of Ordino was owned by the monarchy of Spain, although it was later ceded to the Bishopric of Urgell. The church eventually came under the domain of the Bishopric of Urgell. It has had several renovations over the centuries and until 1713 was part of the parish of Canólich. In 1713, the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada was made an independent parish under the patronage of Saint Martin of Tours. The same year, the church underwent a renovation of its façade. This renovation added several features, such as the opening of four bell towers and the addition of sculptures and gargoyles. The façade of this church is unique in Andorra, since it contains several elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles. In the 19th century, the church underwent a major renovation and expansion. The original walls were demolished and the current structure was constructed. This renovation added an extra section to the structure, as well as a choir and a bell tower. The interior decoration of the church was also changed, with the addition of several paintings and sculptures. The most recent renovation of the Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada was done in the 1990s, when the wooden ceiling and stone floor at the entrance were replaced with a modern structure. Today the church is still in use, and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Ordino. For more information on the Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada, visit its official website. https://www.ordinoturistic.com/esglesia-de-sant-marti-de-cortinada/ Visit one of the famous monuments of Andorra with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada is a Romanesque church located in the small mountain village of Ordino in the north-western part of the Principality of Andorra. 2. The church dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest religious sites in the country. 3. Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada was declared a national monument in 1969 by the Andorran government, among the first to be given the designation. 4. Due to its age and high-altitude location, the church is considered one of the most important architectural feats of the Middle Ages in Andorra. 5. The church consists of two parts: the Romanesque chapel and an 18th century sacristy. The Romanesque chapel is considered the greatest example of architecture from its time period still surviving in Andorra, and features a unique curved granite façade with detailed carvings. 6. The building has undergone various renovations and additions over the years, but the essential structure has remained the same since it was first constructed. 7. Inside the chapel are a number of artifacts and religious artworks that date back to the medieval period. 8. The church also houses several religious relics from the 18th and 19th centuries, including holy oil, ancient images, and carved crucifixes. 9. Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada continues to serve as an active religious center today, hosting several religious ceremonies and other events throughout the year. One of the historical monuments of Andorra, it tells the story of a bygone era