A brief history

To enter the past of Andorra is to enter fully into its culture and traditions. You will realise that it is a country with its own character.

 

A LOOK TO THE PAST: A COUNTRY OF MEDIEVAL ORIGIN

With more than a thousand years of history, Andorra has many stories to tell: how the country was founded, its rulers and its inhabitants. 

From prehistoric times to the pre-Roman period, Andorra’s early inhabitants left their mark in various places across the country, such as Balma de la Margineda, El Cedre (Santa Coloma) and Antuix (Escaldes-Engordany).

Legend has it that Charlemagne founded Andorra in 805, in gratitude for the help its inhabitants offered in the fight against the Saracens. 
However, the first document in which the country is mentioned is the act of consecration of the Cathedral of Santa Maria d’Urgell, in the mid-9th century, in which the parishes of Andorra are mentioned as fiefs of the Counts of Urgell.
After years of intense struggle between neighbouring Counts and the Church to achieve sovereignty over Andorra, the signing of two treaties called Pareatges ended the hostilities. They were signed in 1278 and 1288 by the Archbishop of Urgell, Pere d’Urg, and the Count of Foix, Roger Bernat III. The Pareatges established the shared sovereignty of the two lords over the territory and, as such, the Principality of Andorra was born.
Over the course of history, the figure of the co-prince of Andorra passed from the Count of Foix to the king of France, and with the French Republic, to the president of the nation. On the Episcopal side, the duty has remained with the figure of the Archbishop of Urgell throughout the centuries.

 

ANDORRA TODAY

DID YOU KNOW...? SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF ANDORRA

Our special country has even more interesting facts for you. Here are some interesting facts you probably didn’t know about the history and current political landscape of Andorra:

Did you know... that Andorra is one of the few countries in the world with two heads of state? They are the Archbishop of Urgell and the President of the French Republic, and they hold the title of 'co-princes'.

Did you know... that the General Council is considered one of the oldest parliaments in Europe? It stems from the Council of the Earth, constituted in 1419 to resolve the issues of the Andorrans. For more than three centuries (from the 18th century to the year 2011) the Casa de la Vall, in Andorra la Vella was its headquarters. Tourist visits are currently available.

Did you know... that the Andorran Parliament is made up of 28 members, called Councillors and General Councillors? The General Council of Andorra exercises the legislative power in the Principality and consists of a single chamber, with dual national and territorial representation. Members are elected by universal suffrage for a period of 4 years.

Did you know that… Andorra joined the UN in 1993 and that meant official international recognition?

Did you know… Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe? It stands at 1,023 metres above sea level.

 


PARISHES AND COMÚS

Although it is much smaller than most states, Andorra is split into seven administrative divisions, known as parishes. These are Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, La Massana, Sant Julià de Lòria, Escaldes-Engordany and Andorra la Vella, which is the capital. Each parish has its own consul and administrative headquarters, called the 'Comú'.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

Although the country has only seven provinces that are very close together, you would need several hours to visit everything in one day.