Overview:

Santa Coloma Tower in Andorra la Vella is one of the remaining defense towers of the original medieval wall that once surrounded the city. It is the oldest building in Andorra, dating back to the 13th century, and was the last remaining part of the original wall constructed to defend the city. The tower stands at 40 meters high and still has its original iron door dating back to the 16th century, and served as a gate into the city. In its modern day, the tower serves as a museum and visitors can explore the four levels of the interior, featuring displays of local folklore, historical artifacts, and an interactive multimedia showroom. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Andorra
Prominent Features:

Santa Coloma Tower is a 12th century Romanesque church located at the center of Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra. The building was originally designed as the bell tower of the original church of Santa Coloma de Andorra. The tower is the only remaining structure of the original church and is an iconic landmark of the city. It is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public. The main attraction of the tower is its unique chimney which stands at an impressive height of 66m (216 feet). The tall chimney is visible from the distance and is the symbol of Andorra la Vella. The tower is home to a number of bells that were used to call the people of Andorra for religious services and public announcements. The bells are still in use today and are rung on special occasions. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Andorra.

History:

la Vella, the capital city of the Principality of Andorra, Santa Coloma Tower is a medieval tower. The tower was built in 1278 by the Count of Urgell, Ermengol IX. The Tower has stood as a part of the old Santa Coloma fortress for centuries. It was built as an observation and defensive post during the turbulent transition period after the Counts of Urgell delegated their rights to the Bishop. The tower played an important role in the protection of the population against invasions from Catalonia, the Ottoman Empire, and the French. During the 19th century, the tower underwent some renovation; especially, between 1877 and 1878, when it was restored by sculptor and engineer Esteve Corella. In later years, its importance was lessened as the city walls of Andorra La Vella were demolished and the Tower lost its defensive nature. In 1962, the Tower became the property of the University of Andorra. In 2003, the Council of Andorra declared the tower a Cultural Asset of National Interest, and it is currently listed as part of the Cultural Heritage of Andorra. Up to this day, the tower still stands in the centre of Santa Coloma parish square, an iconic landmark of the Andorran capital. Visit one of the famous monuments of Andorra with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The current tower is the third one to have been built on the site since the 12th century. 2. It is the only civil Romanesque tower left in Andorra. 3. Santa Coloma Tower is the oldest building in Andorra La Vella and is known as “The Old Lady of Andorra”. 4. Santa Coloma Tower is located within a chapel on the grounds of the old campus of the University of Andorra. 5. Santa Coloma Tower is one of the main attractions of Andorra La Vella and is embellished with paintings, sculptures and other works of art. 6. Originally, the tower was used as a symbol of power for the Archbishop of Urgell and the feudal rulers of Andorra. 7. In 1864, Santa Coloma Tower was declared a national historic monument. 8. The tower has a multi-coloured façade, featuring four different colours and represent the four parishes of Andorra. 9. Santa Coloma Tower is the only civil Romanesque tower still standing in Andorra today. 10. Each year, on August 1st, the lighting up of the Santa Coloma Tower takes place and marks the beginning of the festivities. One of the historical monuments of Andorra, it tells the story of a bygone era