The Principality of Andorra which is located to the north of Barcelona and is sandwiched between the borders of Spain and France. It covers 464 square kms and is ruled jointly by Spain and France. The Bishop of the nearby province of La Seu d’Urgell represents the Spanish interest whilst the President of France in his title of Count of Foix rules for France. This joint control came about in a Treaty signed between the two countries in 1278. In 1419 the local inhabitants were allowed to create their own parliament which has politically successfully avoided being involved in any war since that year. However, this peaceful record was nearly broken in 1934 when a Russian Count announced himself to be the King Boris I of Andorra and declared war on the joint ruler, the Bishop at La Seu d’Urgell. The Bishop calmly sent for armed representatives of Spain to give support. This force turned out to be four soldiers of the Guardia Civil who proceeded to the Count’s residence and placed him under arrest. The Count was promptly escorted to Barcelona and then subsequently out of Spain. The attempted coup lasted but just two weeks!
Caldea Spa
The population is in the region of 65,000 and most of them live in the main town which consists of the old part named Andorra la Vella and the new commercial section named Les Escaldes. As it is a Tax Free haven in Europe the shops tend to stock popular branded named items and often at interesting prices. The country of Andorra consists of many deep valleys and mountain slopes, of which many still have old charming stone built dwellings. It is an excellent location for walkers during the summer and then fills up in the winter with skiers. There are four Ski areas of note; Arinsal, Massana, Pas de la Casa and Soldeu. The slopes present ideal holidays for families but are of little interest for the more advanced skier. For those skiers wishing to vary their ski areas it is recommended that they stay in the main town as it is easy to reach each area from this central location. Due to the popularity as a location for reasonably priced winter holidays many small farmhouses in the various valleys have been converted into restaurants serving recommendable traditional regional food.
Escaldes-Engordany with Caldea spa (center)
Casa de la Vall, Andorran Parliament
No comments:
Post a Comment