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The tiny country of Andorra offers a ski area in the Pyrenees that is anything but small: Grandvalira is in fact Europe's largest ski area outside the Alps! Andorra, between its large neighbours France and Spain, is not to be overlooked. Even though Andorra only has two ski areas to offer, these areas offer first-rate skiing enjoyment. In addition, Andorra is well-known for its great shopping. Every year streams of shopping tourists make Andorra their destination of choice, bringing along a great source of income for the tax-free country. This money, in turn, is invested in the winter sports infrastructure and other leisure centres such as spas and ice skating rinks, which means that Andorra has much to offer on and off the piste. Andorra's two large ski areas are among the world's most modern.
Grandvalira:
By linking the areas Pas de la Casa/Grau Roig and Soldeu/El Tarter, Grandvalira solidified its claim as Europe's largest ski area outside the Alps. Whether you are looking to spend your time on the broad pistes or prefer to find adventure off-piste, you'll get your chance in Grandvalira.
Vallnord:
On the other side of Andorra you'll find the counterbalance to mega-station Grandvalira. Here you'll find two very different ski areas connected with a gondola.
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Andorra was founded in 805 by Charlemagne out of thanks for the help of its residents in the fight against the Saracens. Since the 11th century, the church has played a decisive role in Andorra. In 1278, numerous battles in the conflict between the Church of Urgell and the Count of Foix were ended with the founding of the princedom of Andorra. The rule of the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urugell secured a constitutional balance. In this way, the Bishop and the French president maintained a mutual and undivided rule over Andorra. On 14 March 1993, the princedom bid farewell to its first constitution and was freed of its guardianship.
The Church's major role also influences the architectural treasures and accepted customs, which were conserved throughout the country's thousand-year history. Numerous churches and mediaeval bridges are impressive examples of pure, unadulterated Roman art, which can be seen in the many valleys.
Andorra's culture is strongly influenced by the Catalans, but has also made its own meaningful contributions to the Catalan culture. For example, two of the most important Catalan authors come from Andorra. |
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