Andorra

Overview

The principality in the Pyrenees was set up as a buffer state by Charlemagne when he was concerned about the possibility of Moorish invasion. Sovereignty is shared between the French State and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell.

The sports and activities that would be expected from a European nation are all available, but there is a heavy emphasis on skiing, hiking and spas. The country is proud to have the largest skiable area in the Pyrenees which means there are many slopes to keep snow-lovers interested. Much of the exploratory spectrum is catered for in terms of walking and hiking, while a great deal of the accommodation allows the visitor to benefit from the sulphur-rich spa water. However it is Caldea, an absolutely huge spa centre that really promotes relaxation.

The capital, Andorra la Valla has the Casa de la Vall to see when duty free shopping is not proving too distracting. Encamp has the Museu Nacional de L'Automobil and Ordino the Andorran National Chamber Orchestra, national Auditorium and Areny i Plandolit House.

History

Andorra is Legend... Legend tells that Charlemagne founded Andorra in 805 in recognition of aid given by its inhabitants against the Saracens. Tradition� The earliest document known that mentions Andorra is the act of consecration of the cathedral of Santa Maria of Urgell in 839, which mentions the parishes (administrative and territorial divisions) of Andorra as the fief of the Counts of Urgell. History of counts, bishops and nobles... Between the 9th and 10th centuries, the Andorran valleys belonged to the counts of Urgell, who ceded them to the See of Urgell in 988 in exchange for other possessions in the Cerdanya, although it was not until the 12th century that Andorrans recognised the sovereignty of the See of Urgell in an agreement signed with the bishop Bernat Sanç in 1176. A period of struggle for sovereignty over the Andorran valleys began, particularly with the counts of Urgell, which caused the bishops to call on the closest nobles for aid and protection. As a result of their cooperation with the bishop, the House of Caboet received the valleys of Andorra in fief. Through the marriages of various generations, the house of Caboet became linked with the houses of Castellbò, Foix and Béarn. The 13th century was a time of bitter struggle between the counts of Foix and the See of Urgell to reduce the rights of the bishops over Andorra. ...more