La Balma de la Margineda: A Prehistoric Window

Explore La Balma de la Margineda, Andorra's prehistoric rock shelter, revealing the ancient lives of Pyrenean hunter-gatherers dating back 12,000 years.

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La Balma de la Margineda

La Balma de la Margineda is a significant rock shelter near Andorra la Vella, revealing Andorra's earliest human history. This archaeological site, perched above the Valira River, showcases intermittent occupation by hunter-gatherers from 10,000 to 4,000 BC.

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.
Check local guides for any historical tours that include La Balma de la Margineda for an enriched experience.

Getting There

Walking

From the Rotonda de la Margineda roundabout, La Balma is a short walk away. Head south, following signs for the 'Arc Patrimonial' or 'Balma de la Margineda'. The walk is approximately 5 minutes uphill. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

Take the L1 bus to the 'C. L'Aern' stop. From there, it's an 8-minute walk to La Balma de la Margineda. A single ride is approximately €1.90.
Taxi

A taxi from Andorra la Vella to La Balma de la Margineda will take approximately 5 minutes and cost between €15-€19. There are no additional fees or tolls.

Discover more about La Balma de la Margineda

Nestled south of Santa Coloma, La Balma de la Margineda is a captivating rock shelter offering a glimpse into Andorra's prehistoric past. Situated 970 meters above sea level, overlooking the Valira River, this archaeological site is one of the most important prehistoric locations in Andorra and the Pyrenees. Discovered in 1959, La Balma de la Margineda has been extensively studied, revealing intermittent occupation by hunter-gatherers from the Epipaleolithic period (10,000 BC) through the early Neolithic era (5,000-4,000 BC). Excavations have unearthed a wealth of information about the lives of these early inhabitants, including their hunting practices, tools, and environment. The site's strategic location, offering shelter and a vantage point over the valley, made it an ideal spot for early settlers. Evidence suggests the inhabitants primarily hunted ibex, especially in the autumn when the animals were at their peak weight. The site also reveals evidence of fishing, with numerous trout remains discovered. Today, La Balma de la Margineda invites visitors to step back in time and connect with Andorra's ancient roots. Imagine the lives of those who sought shelter here millennia ago, leaving behind traces of their existence that continue to fascinate and inform us about the region's rich past. The surrounding area offers scenic walks and hiking trails, allowing tourists to appreciate the natural beauty that envelops this historical landmark.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

La Balma de la Margineda

0.0 km

Discover La Balma de la Margineda: A journey into Andorra's prehistoric past, surrounded by stunning Pyrenean landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Pont de Madrid

0.9 km

Explore the Pont de Madrid in Andorra la Vella, a stunning bridge connecting scenic beauty and vibrant city life.

Muntanyes sobre un carro

1.2 km

A mythological sculpture in Sant Julià de Lòria, representing Andorra's creation and stunning mountain scenery.

Yomo Imperial Hotel

1.4 km

Comfortable hotel in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra, offering easy access to shopping, adventure, and stunning mountain views.

Hotel Folch

1.6 km

Experience comfort and convenience at Hotel Folch, your gateway to exploring the Andorran Pyrenees in Sant Julià de Lòria.

Sant Julià de Lòria-Andorra

1.6 km

Discover Sant Julià de Lòria: Where Andorran tradition meets Pyrenean adventure, offering cultural richness and natural beauty in a welcoming setting.

Sant Bartomeu de Lòria

1.7 km

Discover the serene chapel of Sant Bartomeu de Lòria, a hidden treasure offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Andorra's rich heritage.

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

1.7 km

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

1.8 km

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

1.8 km

Experience the heart of Sant Julià de Lòria at Plaça de la Germandat, a central square where community life unfolds.

BAR RESTAURANT CAFÈ PRINCIPAL

2.1 km

Experience traditional Andorran cuisine at BAR RESTAURANT CAFÈ PRINCIPAL, a charming eatery in Sant Julià de Lòria's Plaça Major.

Hotel Sol Park

2.1 km

Experience comfort and convenience in the Andorran Pyrenees at Hotel Sol Park, your gateway to adventure in Sant Julià de Lòria.

HOTEL SANT ELOI

2.5 km

Comfortable and affordable 3-star hotel in Sant Julià de Lòria, offering easy access to Andorra's attractions and outdoor activities.

River Centre Comercial

3.0 km

Experience diverse shopping and dining at River Centre Comercial in Andorra, a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike.

Hotel Parador de Canòlich

3.1 km

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

0.4 km

Explore the majestic Pont de la Margineda, a medieval bridge in Andorra la Vella that offers breathtaking views and rich history.

Robleda de la Margineda

1.1 km

Explore Robleda de la Margineda in Santa Coloma: Discover medieval Andorran history through archaeological ruins and ancient artifacts.

Comú de Sant Julià de Lòria

1.4 km

Discover Sant Julià de Lòria: Where Andorran tradition meets Pyrenean beauty, offering culture, adventure, and sustainable tourism.

Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra

1.6 km

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

1.7 km

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

1.7 km

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

La Sportiva Andorra Trail

1.7 km

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

1.8 km

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

1.9 km

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

2.0 km

Discover a blend of Romanesque heritage and modern art at this historic church in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra. A cultural gem!

La Font del Cóms

2.0 km

Discover La Font del Cóms in Sant Julià de Lòria: a historical landmark offering a serene glimpse into Andorra's rich cultural heritage and communal past.

Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Canòlich

3.1 km

Discover the serene Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Canòlich in Andorra, a historic sanctuary offering spiritual reflection and stunning mountain views.

Tamarro Andy | Andorra la Vella

3.3 km

Visit Tamarro Andy in Andorra la Vella for a whimsical adventure that delights families and nature lovers alike amid breathtaking mountain scenery.

Pic d’Enclar

3.6 km

Discover the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Pic d’Enclar, a premier hiking destination in the heart of Andorra.

D'art Masha

3.7 km

Discover local art, learn new techniques, and find quality materials at D'art Masha, a creative haven in Andorra la Vella.

Essential places to dine

BAR RESTAURANT MARGINEDA

0.2 km

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

BAR RESTAURANT FENOY

1.1 km

Experience authentic Andorran flavors at BAR RESTAURANT FENOY - where great food meets friendly service in Sant Julià de Lòria.

Borda de l'Arena

1.3 km

Experience authentic Andorran cuisine at Borda de l'Arena - where tradition meets taste in a cozy mountain setting.

Pizzeria Restaurant Angelo Sant Julià

1.4 km

Discover the best pizza in Sant Julià de Lòria at Pizzeria Restaurant Angelo - where tradition meets taste.

Pizzeria Angelo

1.4 km

Experience the essence of Italy at Pizzeria Angelo, where every slice tells a story of tradition and flavor in Sant Julià de Lòria.

BAR RESTAURANT ROSES

1.5 km

Experience authentic Andorran cuisine at Bar Restaurant Roses in Sant Julià de Lòria - where tradition meets taste in a vibrant setting.

SNACK BAR RESTAURANT LA PASSA

1.6 km

Experience authentic Andorran cuisine at Snack Bar Restaurant La Passa - a budget-friendly dining spot in Sant Julià de Lòria.

FRANCKFURT LÒRIA 69

1.6 km

Experience authentic Andorran cuisine at FRANCKFURT LÒRIA 69 in Sant Julià de Lòria - perfect for food lovers on a budget.

Snack-bar EuroCenter

1.7 km

Discover delightful grilled flavors at Snack-bar EuroCenter, where delicious meals meet a cozy atmosphere in Sant Julià de Lòria.

Andorra BBQ

1.7 km

Experience authentic grilled cuisine at Andorra BBQ in Sant Julià de Lòria - where flavor meets tradition amidst stunning mountain views.

El Cantàbric

1.8 km

Discover exquisite seafood dishes at El Cantàbric in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra's hidden culinary gem offering authentic Mediterranean flavors.

Bar Restaurant Bare Nostrum

1.8 km

Discover delicious local cuisine at Bar Restaurant Bare Nostrum in Sant Julià de Lòria – where flavor meets hospitality.

BAR RESTAURANT LA CAULLA

1.8 km

Experience delicious grilled cuisine at Bar Restaurant La Caulla in Sant Julià de Lòria – where flavors meet tradition!

Fusió restaurant

1.9 km

Experience the fusion of flavors at Fusió Restaurant in Sant Julià de Lòria—home to the best burgers, pancakes, and crepes in Andorra.

SNACK BAR ÀNGEL

1.9 km

Experience authentic Andorran cuisine at Snack Bar Àngel in Sant Julià de Lòria—where every dish tells a story.

4.0 km

Discover El Jabuguito de Andorra, a vibrant bar in Andorra la Vella serving local drinks and a friendly atmosphere in the heart of the city.

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 Prehistoric Window

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