Description of the attraction
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra, the history of which dates back to the time when the most ordinary village was founded in a picturesque mountain valley. Today this place is called Barry Antik, which means Old Quarter.
Barri Antique is the historical center of the city, which, despite the rapid economic and tourist development of Andorra la Vella, was able to preserve the spirit of the past and its individuality. Walking through small squares and cobbled narrow streets lined with ancient stone houses, as well as visiting local shops, will allow tourists to get to know the history and culture of Andorra.
In the Old Town of Andorra la Vella, time seems to have stood still. In the narrow dead-end streets and alleys, you can feel the spirit of the Middle Ages. Picturesque old two- and three-storey houses of rough hewn stone with wooden balconies have narrow slit-windows. It's hard to believe, but at the beginning of the twentieth century. almost all residents of Andorra la Vella lived on the territory of this old quarter.
Barri Antique is home to the main attractions of Andorra la Vella. At the entrance to the oldest district of the capital is the Church of St. Stephen (San Esteban). Due to the fact that the temple was repeatedly rebuilt, from the ancient building of the 12th century, made in the Romanesque style, only the apse and part of the nave wall have survived to this day.
At the same time, the pride and main asset of Barry Antique is the "House of the Valleys" (Casa de la Val) - a legendary historical building, erected in 1580. Initially, the house belonged to the wealthy Baskets family. But in 1702 the building was bought out by the General Council. In 1761, for three whole centuries, the house housed the official seat of the Andorran parliament. In appearance, the building is very reminiscent of a small fortress or a medieval castle. A watchtower rises nearby. Also in the Old Town, not far from the "House of the Valleys", among the old granite buildings, there is a national library.
