La Balma de la Margineda: A Window to Andorra's Prehistoric Past

Explore La Balma de la Margineda, a prehistoric rock shelter revealing Andorra's earliest human history and Pyrenean heritage.

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La Balma de la Margineda

La Balma de la Margineda is a significant prehistoric rock shelter located near Santa Coloma, Andorra la Vella. Discovered in 1959, it reveals the earliest evidence of human occupation in Andorra, dating back to the Epipaleolithic and Neolithic periods. The site offers a glimpse into the lives of the region's first settlers and their adaptation to the Pyrenean environment.

A brief summary to La Balma de la Margineda

Andorra la Vella, AD500, AD
+376750100

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Combine your visit with a hike in the surrounding areas for a full day of exploration.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings after exploring the landmark.

Getting There

Walking

La Balma de la Margineda is located near Santa Coloma, easily accessible from the village center. From the main road in Santa Coloma, follow the signs towards the Margineda bridge. Cross the bridge and continue along the path, following signs for La Balma. The walk is short but involves a slight incline. No costs are associated with walking to the site.
Public Transport

From Andorra la Vella, take a local bus towards Santa Coloma. The bus fare is approximately €1.90 - €4.00. Get off at the Santa Coloma bus stop and follow the walking directions above to reach La Balma de la Margineda.
Taxi

A taxi from Andorra la Vella to La Balma de la Margineda will cost approximately €15-€25. Ask the driver to take you to Santa Coloma and drop you off near the Margineda bridge, from where you can walk to the site.

Discover more about La Balma de la Margineda

La Balma de la Margineda, situated south of Santa Coloma in Andorra la Vella, is a rock shelter of immense historical importance. This site provides tangible evidence of Andorra's earliest human inhabitants, with findings tracing back to the Epipaleolithic (10,000 BC) and Neolithic (5,000-4,000 BC) periods. Discovered in 1959 by archaeologist Pere Canturri, La Balma de la Margineda has been extensively studied, revealing intermittent occupation by hunters, primarily those pursuing Pyrenean ibex. Archaeological evidence suggests that ibex hunting was the primary activity at the site throughout its occupation, continuing into the Neolithic era. Cementochronological data indicates that hunting predominantly occurred in the autumn, when the animals were at their peak weight. The shelter itself is located at an altitude of 970 meters, overlooking the right bank of the Valira River. It extends 20 meters in length and reaches a depth of 7 meters. Excavations have identified various sedimentary layers spanning from the Epipaleolithic to the early Neolithic periods. Besides evidence of hunting, remains of trout suggest fishing was also practiced near the site as early as 10,500 BP. Today, La Balma de la Margineda stands as a testament to Andorra's rich prehistoric heritage, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the distant past and understand the lives of the region's earliest inhabitants. It is a key site, along with others such as the Margineda archaeological site, in understanding Andorra's history.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

La Balma de la Margineda

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Pont de Madrid

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Muntanyes sobre un carro

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Yomo Imperial Hotel

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Hotel Folch

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Sant Julià de Lòria-Andorra

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Sant Bartomeu de Lòria

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Oficina de Turisme de Sant Julià de Lòria (Plaça Laurèdia)

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Your gateway to exploring Sant Julià de Lòria and the wonders of Andorra. Get maps, tips, and local insights for an unforgettable trip.

Oficina de Turisme de Sant Julià de Lòria (Plaça Laurèdia)

Servei de Circulació del Comú de Sant Julià de Lòria

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Explore the civic heart of Sant Julià de Lòria, where history and administration meet in the stunning landscapes of Andorra.

Servei de Circulació del Comú de Sant Julià de Lòria

Plaça de la Germandat

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BAR RESTAURANT CAFÈ PRINCIPAL

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Hotel Sol Park

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HOTEL SANT ELOI

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River Centre Comercial

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Hotel Parador de Canòlich

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Escape to the Andorran Pyrenees at Hotel Parador de Canòlich: Comfort, cuisine, and breathtaking mountain views await.

Unmissable attractions to see

Pont de la Margineda

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Robleda de la Margineda

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Comú de Sant Julià de Lòria

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Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra

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Experience the rich history and serene beauty of the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra, a must-visit destination for every traveler in Andorra.

Església de Sant Vicenç d'Enclar

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Discover the breathtaking Església de Sant Vicenç d'Enclar, a historic Catholic church nestled in the heart of Andorra la Vella, rich in culture and serene beauty.

Església de Sant Serni de Nagol

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Discover Andorra's Romanesque heritage at Església de Sant Serni de Nagol, a serene historic church with stunning mountain views.

La Sportiva Andorra Trail

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Experience the thrill of trail running in the heart of the Andorran Pyrenees. Conquer challenging routes and discover breathtaking mountain scenery.

Mirador del Coll de la Plana

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Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Andorran Pyrenees at Mirador del Coll de la Plana, a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers in Sant Julià de Lòria.

Espai Benestar

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A peaceful riverside retreat in Sant Julià de Lòria, perfect for relaxation and enjoying Andorra's natural beauty. Temporarily closed for construction.

Saint Julià and Saint Germà church

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La Font del Cóms

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Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Canòlich

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Tamarro Andy | Andorra la Vella

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Pic d’Enclar

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D'art Masha

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Essential places to dine

BAR RESTAURANT MARGINEDA

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Discover local flavors at Bar Restaurant Margineda in Sant Julià de Lòria – where great food meets warm hospitality.

BAR RESTAURANT FENOY

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Borda de l'Arena

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Pizzeria Restaurant Angelo Sant Julià

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Pizzeria Angelo

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BAR RESTAURANT ROSES

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SNACK BAR RESTAURANT LA PASSA

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FRANCKFURT LÒRIA 69

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Snack-bar EuroCenter

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Andorra BBQ

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El Cantàbric

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Bar Restaurant Bare Nostrum

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BAR RESTAURANT LA CAULLA

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Fusió restaurant

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SNACK BAR ÀNGEL

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover La Balma de la Margineda with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

La Balma de la Margineda: A Window to Andorra's Prehistoric Past

A brief summary to La Balma de la Margineda

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi

Unlock the Best of La Balma de la Margineda

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about La Balma de la Margineda

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

La Balma de la Margineda

Pont de Madrid

Muntanyes sobre un carro

Yomo Imperial Hotel

Hotel Folch

Sant Julià de Lòria-Andorra

Sant Bartomeu de Lòria

Oficina de Turisme de Sant Julià de Lòria (Plaça Laurèdia)

Servei de Circulació del Comú de Sant Julià de Lòria

Plaça de la Germandat

BAR RESTAURANT CAFÈ PRINCIPAL

Hotel Sol Park

HOTEL SANT ELOI

River Centre Comercial

Hotel Parador de Canòlich

Unmissable attractions to see

Pont de la Margineda

Robleda de la Margineda

Comú de Sant Julià de Lòria

Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra

Església de Sant Vicenç d'Enclar

Església de Sant Serni de Nagol

La Sportiva Andorra Trail

Mirador del Coll de la Plana

Espai Benestar

Saint Julià and Saint Germà church

La Font del Cóms

Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Canòlich

Tamarro Andy | Andorra la Vella

Pic d’Enclar

D'art Masha

Essential places to dine

BAR RESTAURANT MARGINEDA

BAR RESTAURANT FENOY

Borda de l'Arena

Pizzeria Restaurant Angelo Sant Julià

Pizzeria Angelo

BAR RESTAURANT ROSES

SNACK BAR RESTAURANT LA PASSA

FRANCKFURT LÒRIA 69

Snack-bar EuroCenter

Andorra BBQ

El Cantàbric

Bar Restaurant Bare Nostrum

BAR RESTAURANT LA CAULLA

Fusió restaurant

SNACK BAR ÀNGEL

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

COMERÇ ESPANYA

E.Leclerc Express

Pintors Andorra

Natur Paper

Andorra Guitars by Fanatic Guitars

CONFETTI

SUPER BASAR Z SLU BON PREU

Confeccions Feli

Baysa

Súpermercat casal

Andorra Campers Accessoris

MERCERIA BETES I FILS

CondisLife

Carrefour City

AllPet

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

SNACK BAR MERITXELL

Veni Vidi Vici - Andorra

Bar del Centre