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Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell: Andorra's Spiritual Heart

Discover Andorra's spiritual heart at the Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell, a modern architectural marvel with a rich history and stunning mountain views.

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The Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell is Andorra's most important religious site, located in the town of Meritxell in the parish of Canillo. It is dedicated to the Virgin of Meritxell, the patron saint of Andorra. The basilica is a modern architectural marvel, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1972, and stands as a symbol of Andorran identity and faith.

A brief summary to Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Meritxell Memoria exhibition, located in the old sanctuary, to learn about the history and cult of Our Lady of Meritxell.
  • Take the nature route to the Meritxell Oratories and the village of Prats for scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Attend the festival of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell on September 8th, Andorra's national holiday, to experience the country's religious and patriotic spirit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Andorra la Vella, take bus line L3 or L4 towards Canillo. Get off at the Meritxell stop. From the bus stop, it is approximately an 11-minute walk to the Sanctuary. Bus tickets can be purchased directly on the bus. A single fare costs approximately €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Andorra la Vella. A taxi ride from Andorra la Vella to Meritxell takes approximately 11 minutes and costs between €30 and €40. Taxi stands are located on Meritxell Avenue and Tarragona Avenue in Andorra la Vella.

  • Car

    From Andorra la Vella, drive north on the CG-2 towards Canillo. Follow the signs to Meritxell. The drive takes approximately 11 minutes. There is a large, free parking lot at the foot of the Sanctuary. However, overnight parking is prohibited. Finding parking on Avenida Meritxell in Andorra la Vella can be difficult. Consider parking in the Saba public car park at the end of Avenida Pau Casals.

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Discover more about Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell

Nestled in a sheltered valley in the Andorran Pyrenees, the Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the people of Andorra. The basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Meritxell, the patron saint of Andorra, and is considered the most important religious temple in the country. The sanctuary's history dates back to the 12th century when, according to legend, a shepherd found an image of the Virgin Mary in a wild rose bush that miraculously bloomed in winter. The Andorrans decided to build a chapel there. The General Council of the Valleys declared Our Lady of Meritxell the patron saint of the country in 1873. The original Romanesque chapel was renovated in the 17th century, but a fire on September 8, 1972, destroyed the sanctuary and the Romanesque carving of the Virgin. The renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill was commissioned to design the new sanctuary, which opened in 1976. Bofill's design blends modern and medieval styles, incorporating elements of Romanesque and Gothic traditions while integrating the structure into the Pyrenean landscape. The basilica features a mixture of styles and aims to merge with the surrounding landscape. The use of slate links the basilica to its natural surroundings and the Andorran tradition. The basilica also has large windows that let in lots of light, and a fountain located in the middle of the cloister. Inside the basilica, a replica of the Romanesque carving of the Virgin, which was destroyed in the fire, is venerated. The basilica also houses statues of other Andorran saints. In 2014, Pope Francis declared the Sanctuary a Minor Basilica. Today, visitors can explore the Sanctuary of Meritxell, a place of peace and contemplation that embodies the Andorran people's devotion to their patron saint.

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