La Casa de Vall is the seat of the General Council, Europe's smallest parliament.
It was in 1419 that the Conseil de la Terre, which later became the Conseil Général des Vallées d'Andorra, was established in the former seigniorial residence of the Busquets family.
Built in 1580, the building became the property of the Andorran state in 1702.
It was restored in 1962.
Murder holes, machicolations and watchtowers show that the building dates back to a time when defense was essential.
The gardens feature a dovecote tower, a calvary and contemporary sculptures.
On March 14, 1993, Andorra's first written constitution was signed, transforming the Principality into a democratic, social state governed by the rule of law.
La Casa, an astonishing building...
Its interior comprises a first floor and two upper floors. The first floor houses the spectacular Criminal Court, with its wooden furniture and decoration. On the second floor is the Salle des pas perdus, the noble room of the building, with 16th-century murals. The same floor also houses the meeting room and kitchen, as well as other symbolic elements of the house. These include the bell used to call the Assembly, and the mysterious Armoire aux sept clefs, which contains important documents on the history of the Principality, such as the Manual Digest on the history, government and customs of Andorra from the mid-18th century. The second floor, a former attic, has been converted into a multifunctional space.
The Cassa de Vall is set in a square that affords a view of the dovecote and the building's facade, made of traditional stone assembled with lime and sand mortar. The double-sloped roof is made of slate, and the main entrance features ashlar voussoirs. The square is also home to recent sculptures that bear witness to some of the most important episodes in Andorra's history, such as the signing of the Pariatge or the referendum for the 1993 Constitution. The main façade features the Busquets family coat of arms and the Principality's traditional coat of arms, with the motto: “Virtus, Unita, Fortior” (Virtue, united, is stronger).
With the help of Visit Andorra
Carrer de la Vall s/n -
AD 500 Andorra la Vella ·
Principat d'Andorra
Telèfon: +376 877 877
https://www.casadelavall.ad/?set_language=fr
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