Andorra - A Mountaneous Country - II.
Within 1278-1993, Andorra was under rule of two Units - i.e. President of France and Bishop of Urgell. Local citizens paid their sovereigns the taxes, such as: 960 francs to French President and 460 Pesetas, 12 pieces (heads) of cheese, 12 capons and 6 pieces of legs to Bishop of Urgell.
In 1993, Andorra organized a referendum for acceptance of new democratic Constitution, which could cancel feudal system of power, existing since 1278. The Constitution was taken over on 4th May 1993. So, Andorra´s sovereignty was handed over from Princes to citizens and offices, representing the country. Formally, the Princes remained as Head of State, and their right of refusal regarding international relations and legislative power were unchaged. Anyway, the Constitution guarantees, for the first time, their citizens basic human rights as well as political freedom, enabling the establishment of parties and trade unions. Moreover, the government got also a right to introduce income duties. In the same year, Andorra concluded an agreement regarding coexistence, friendship and cooperation with France and Spain, and the country entered United Nations, too.
Sightseeings
The metropolis (which was founded in 9th century), is situated in picturesque valley, surrounded with high mountains. Local quarter Barri Antic is spreaded along the same place where an old village was established, and Andorra la Vella was created. Casa de la Vall, local attraction, is an impressive building of 16th century. Its low stages were built in 1580 as a private house of rich family. Later, the building was reconstructed several times, and since 1761, it became a Government Building.
Just close to this palace, Sala de la Justicia – the only legal building – is to be found. Parliament Building - Sala del Concell – has inside (in upper floors ) a seat of very interesting Postage Stamps Museum. In the neighbourhood, Set Panis, a building, similar to a castle, is situated. Here, all most important documents from Andorra´s history, were kept. A square Placa la Poble is a cultural centre of the town. Here, numerous events are taken place, and it is, at the same time, very popular meeting point of local people in the evening.
On a square, you can also find State Theatre and Musical Academy. Close to these buildings, Pirenes Shopping Centre is situated. Regarding other sightseeings: it is, for instance, Santa Colonna Church (8th-10th centuries, it is the oldest one of the country), and Santuario de Meritxell Church. In small town of La Margineda, not far distant from the capital, the biggest medioeval bridge is to be found.
Anyway, as main tourist attraction of the capital, it is Caldea Relax Centre, located at east suburb of metropolis. The Escaldes belongs to one of biggest thermal centres of West Europe.
Encamp
In the town of Encamp (5 kilometres distant from metropolis, you can find anotherremarkable sightseeing - National Vehicles Museum - presenting more than 100 most valuable vehicle units as well as big number of old motorcyles, (manufactured since 1898), bicycles and other means of transport. Apart of this, you can visit here big sporting centre Encamp Multiaporta Center, or Eglesia San Roma de Bons, church of Romanesque style (12th century). Most of tourist routes to surrounding ski centres starts from here, including unique rope railway Funicamp, more that 6 kilometres long.
Text: Maxim Kucer
Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš
Poto: Wikimedia Commons, Wikipedia - Joanjoc, Mac9, Occitandu34, Jaume Meneses
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