Overview:

Església de Sant Roc de Sornàs, Ordino is a parish church located in Ordino, Andorra. It is dedicated to Saint Roc, who is said to have been a knight in the 9th century. The church was constructed in the 13th century and is a symbol of the region's history and heritage. The interior of the church is adorned with images of Saint Roc. Its walls depict statues of Roman emperors and knights. The interior also features an altar dedicated to Saint Roc, which is adorned with candles. The exterior of the church is notable for its baroque-style façade. The building is surrounded by a garden and a small park. The church is open to the public and serves as a place of worship for the locals. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Andorra
Prominent Features:

The Església de Sant Roc de Sornàs is the main church of the parish of Ordino located in Andorra. It is a white limestone Romanesque style church built in the late 11th century and completed in the early 12th century. It is known to be the largest religious building in the principality of Andorra, after the Santa Maria Church in Andorra la Vella. Its most prominent feature is the unusual buttresses at the entrance, which are an integral part of the church’s design. The façade is divided into three vertical orders of decoration; the lower consists of sculpted figures of animals and plants, the middle features saints, devils, and geometric shapes, and the upper features scenes from the Bible. Inside the church, the main part of the nave has a double ceiling, designed to create a harmonious and spacious environment. The other main feature is the large wooden crucifix that is suspended from the ceiling above the choir. It is an impressive and beautiful example of Romanesque sculpture and it is said that is was created by local craftsmen in the 12th century. The church also contains two interesting paintings that were added in the 17th century, depicting Jesus and the Virgin Mary. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Andorra.

History:

The Església de Sant Roc de Sornàs is an old Romanesque chapel located in the parish of Ordino in Andorra. It has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the late 10th century. The chapel was mentioned in a document from 988 as the site of the consecration of a priest named Bernat. It is believed to have been built around this time, and was possibly built on an ancient pagan ritual site. In the 13th century, the chapel was rebuilt and expanded, possibly as part of a larger program of renovation of religious sites in the area. Many of the Romanesque features of the chapel date from this period, such as the pointed arches and the carved capitals of the columns. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the chapel was part of a network of monastic houses associated with the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, which was dedicated to providing medical care for pilgrims. It also became an important centre for the dissemination of Christian teachings in Andorra. In 1572, the chapel was renovated, and a belltower was built. This belltower was the tallest structure in the valley at the time, and can still be seen today. In 1952, the chapel was given its current name of Església de Sant Roc de Sornàs by Bishop Ramon Iglesias i Oliver of Urgell. The chapel is still in use today, and remains a popular destination for pilgrims visiting Andorra. Visit one of the famous monuments of Andorra with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

: 1. The Església de Sant Roc de Sornàs is the oldest church still standing in the Principality of Andorra. 2. The church was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries. 3. The two-floor bell tower is a unique feature of the church and dates from the medieval period. 4. The interior of the church still retains its period decorative features such as the decorative altarpieces and wall paintings. 5. The church is decorated with medieval frescoes of the 14th and 15th centuries, mostly depicting scenes associated with Saint Roc. 6. The church hosts a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child by the 18th century sculptor Joaquim Bellpuig, as well as a collection of early Andorran ceramics. 7. The Església de Sant Roc de Sornàs is considered to be a National Monument of Andorra and is protected by the government. One of the historical monuments of Andorra, it tells the story of a bygone era