Casa de la Vall

Casa de la Vall, a 16th-century manor house turned parliament building, dominates the skyline of Andorra la Vella. Walk through its granite halls to see the mysterious Cabinet of Seven Keys, step into the Criminal Court with its original wooden judge's podium, and examine the pastoral scenes painted on the walls of the Hall of Lost Steps. Two watchtowers and 1.5-meter-thick stone walls remind visitors of the building's defensive past, while the square's bronze sculptures tell stories of Andorran history.

Exploring the Interior Rooms

Step into the ground floor's Criminal Court, where judges worked until 2011. Dark wooden benches line the walls, and the original judge's podium still commands attention at the front. Climb to the first floor to discover the Hall of Lost Steps, where 16th-century wall paintings display pastoral scenes and intricate geometric patterns. In the main session room, wooden seats face the speaker's platform in the traditional parliamentary arrangement. Next door, the kitchen retains its original stone hearth and cooking tools from centuries past.

The Cabinet of Seven Keys

At the heart of Casa de la Vall lies the Cabinet of Seven Keys, protecting Andorra's crucial historical documents. The cabinet's unique security system requires all seven parish representatives to bring their keys together to access the contents. Inside, you'll see the Manual Digest from 1748, which details Andorra's governmental systems, customs, and daily life during the 18th century.

Architectural Details

Three galleries with stone arches support the building's quadrangular structure. The exterior walls combine lime mortar with local sandstone blocks, reaching 1.5 meters in thickness. Look up to see the cylindrical dovecote tower rising from the northeastern corner, topped with traditional slate tiles in a gabled pattern. At the main entrance, examine the granite keystones with carved dates, the Busquets family coat of arms, and Andorra's motto "Virtus, Unita, Fortior."

Visiting Information

Visit Casa de la Vall Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Entry costs €5 and includes an audio guide available in English, French, Spanish, and Catalan. Add a guided tour for €1.50 - call (+376) 829 129 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot. Remember the building has steep stairs and no elevator access.

Location and Surroundings

Find Casa de la Vall on a rocky outcrop above the Valira River valley. The square in front displays bronze sculptures from 2011, depicting key moments like the 1278 Pariatge agreement signing and the 1993 constitutional referendum. Walk 5 minutes from the main shopping district, between the Andorra National Library and the modern parliament building.