Casa de la Vall
Andorra la Vella
Casa de la Vall is a historic house located in Andorra la Vella, built in 1580 originally as a manor and defensive tower by the Busquets family. Acquired by the General Council of Andorra in 1702, it served as the seat of the parliament until 2011. The building features a rectangular floor plan with two main floors; the ground floor housed the administration of justice and court room, while the first floor contains the Council Chamber, a chapel dedicated to St. Ermengol, and the "closet of the seven keys" which secures important historical documents such as the Manual Digest and Politar AndorrĂ . A dovecote-shaped tower and a traditional stone cross (creu de terme) adorn the structure, with a contemporary sculpture by Francesc Viladomat in the gardens. The building is emblematic enough to be depicted on the Andorran 1 euro coin. Restorations in the 1960s preserved its historical features, including the chimney modeled after Cal Ribot. Today, it remains a cultural heritage site and hosts protocol events, with guided tours offering insights into Andorra's history and governance.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit from Tuesday to Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm, and 3 pm to 6 pm, as the house is closed on Mondays and Sundays. Entry is free for many groups including students, seniors, and residents on certain Saturdays. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to enrich the experience, with a small additional fee. The site is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Expect possible schedule changes due to official protocol events.
Interesting facts
- •Casa de la Vall is featured on the Andorran 1 euro coin.
- •The "closet of the seven keys" stores important historical documents and is secured by locks held by each of Andorra's parishes.
- •A dovecote-shaped tower is part of the building's defensive architecture.
- •The chimney restoration was inspired by the chimney of Cal Ribot during the 1960s renovation.
- •The Postal Museum of Andorra was located on the second floor until 1991, when it was dismantled to accommodate constitutional drafting meetings.
History
Casa de la Vall was constructed in 1580 as a manor and defensive tower by the Busquets family.
In 1702, it was sold to the Consell de la Terra, becoming the seat of Andorra's General Council.
It served as the parliament building until 2011, after which a new council building was opened nearby.
The building underwent significant restoration in the 1960s, including architectural modifications such as the addition of a turret and roof changes.
Until the early 1990s, the second floor housed the Postal Museum of Andorra before being repurposed for the drafting of the 1993 Constitution by the ComissiĂ³ Tripartida.
Place Guide
Council Chamber1702
The main meeting room of the General Council located on the first floor, historically used for legislative sessions and important political decisions.
Chapel of St. Ermengol
A small chapel on the first floor dedicated to St. Ermengol, reflecting the spiritual heritage connected to the building and its historic functions.
Closet of the Seven Keys
A secure cabinet containing significant historical documents like the Manual Digest and Politar AndorrĂ , each key held by one of Andorra's parishes symbolizing shared guardianship.
Dovecote-shaped Tower1580
A distinctive defensive tower resembling a dovecote situated at one corner of the building, part of its original fortification elements.
Garret (Former Postal Museum)1987-1991
The upper floor once housed the Postal Museum of Andorra until 1991; now serves as a multipurpose space used for meetings, including those related to the drafting of the 1993 Constitution.
Contact
Phone: 829 129
