Casa de la Vall: Andorra's Historic Parliament

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Discover Casa de la Vall in Andorra la Vella: a historic parliament offering insights into Andorran culture and government since the 16th century.

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Casa de la Vall

Casa de la Vall, built in 1580, served as Andorra's parliament from 1702 to 2011. This historic building in Andorra la Vella features a blend of medieval and architectural styles and offers insights into Andorra's unique political history and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Casa de la Vall

Andorra la Vella, AD500, AD
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Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
Thursday 10 am-2 pm
Friday 10 am-2 pm
Saturday 10 am-2 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Casa de la Vall.

Check the official website for current opening hours, as they may be altered due to protocol events.
Book a guided tour in advance to get a more in-depth understanding of the building's history and significance.
Take time to explore the gardens behind the building for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Note that the building has steep stairs and is not easily accessible for people with reduced mobility.

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Getting There

Walking

Casa de la Vall is located in the heart of Andorra la Vella's old town, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Plaça de la Rotonda, walk northeast along Avinguda de Meritxell, then turn left onto Carrer de la Vall. The Casa de la Vall will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

The local bus network in Andorra la Vella connects various points in the city. Take any of the regular bus lines (L1, L2, L4, L5, L6, LC) to the city center. From the nearest bus stop, it's a short walk to Casa de la Vall. A single bus fare is approximately €2. Note that bus service is free for residents with a season ticket.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Andorra la Vella. You can find taxi ranks along Avinguda de Meritxell and Avinguda de Tarragona. A short taxi ride from a central location to Casa de la Vall will cost approximately €3-€5, including the minimum fare. Taxi fares have a minimum fare of €3, with a daytime rate of €1.30/km.
Driving

If driving, be aware that parking in the center of Andorra la Vella can be challenging. Several parking options are available, including Parking Saba Cèntric and Parking R15 Sant Julià de Lòria. Hourly parking rates range from €2-€3. Street parking is also available in blue and green zones, costing €0.50-€1 per hour, with time limits. Consider using the official parking meter app for Andorra la Vella.

Discover more about Casa de la Vall

Casa de la Vall, or the House of the Valley, is one of Andorra's most emblematic and historically significant buildings. Constructed in 1580 as a manor house for the Busquets family, it was strategically built on a rock overlooking the River Valira valley. In 1702, the Consell General, Andorra's parliament, acquired the building, making it their headquarters until 2011. For over three centuries, Casa de la Vall was the heart of Andorran parliamentary life and the seat of the country's courts. The building's architecture showcases a blend of medieval and neo-Gothic styles. The exterior walls, made of local sandstone blocks and lime mortar, are 1.5 meters thick. The main facade features the Busquets family coat of arms and the Andorran coat of arms, with the motto "Virtus, Unita, Fortior" (United virtue is stronger). A square tower, originally a dovecote, rises from the northeastern corner, topped with traditional slate tiles. Inside, visitors can explore several historically significant rooms. The ground floor houses the Criminal Court, maintaining its original wooden furniture and decorations. The first floor includes the Hall of Lost Steps, a noble room with original 16th-century wall paintings, the Council Chamber, and a chapel dedicated to St. Ermengol. Also on this floor is the "closet of the seven keys," where important historical documents are stored, each lock corresponding to one of Andorra's parishes. The second floor, once an attic, was renovated to serve as a multi-purpose hall and once housed the Postal Museum of Andorra. Today, Casa de la Vall is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can take a self-led tour with an audio guide or book a guided tour in advance. The surrounding gardens offer a peaceful space with panoramic views of the mountains.