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 blend of modern architecture and rich religious history.
Nestled in the Andorran Pyrenees, the Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell is aMinor Basilica and a symbol of Andorran identity. Dedicated to the Virgin of Meritxell, the country's patron saint, it's a place of pilgrimage, history, and architectural interest. The basilica is a blend of modern and Romanesque styles, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1972.
A brief summary to Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell
- Meritxell, AD100, AD
- +376851253
- 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, an exhibition in the old sanctuary, to learn about the history and cultural significance of the basilica.
- Take the nature route to the Meritxell Oratories and Prats village for scenic views and a peaceful experience.
- Attend the annual festival on September 8th to witness the Andorran celebration of their patron saint.
- Explore the basilica's architecture, blending modern design with Romanesque elements, including the open cloister and use of slate and white stone.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Andorra la Vella, take bus line L3 or L4 towards Meritxell. The bus stop is located a short walk from the Sanctuary. Check the current bus schedules for accurate timings, as services typically run from 6:40 AM to 1:42 AM. A single ticket costs approximately €1.90.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Andorra la Vella. A taxi ride to the Sanctuary Basilica of Meritxell takes around 11 minutes and costs between €30 and €40. Taxi stands can be found on Avinguda Meritxell and Avinguda Tarragona. Taxi fares start at €3.00, with an additional €1.30 per kilometer during the day and €1.55 at night or on holidays.
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Driving
From Andorra la Vella, drive towards Canillo. Follow the signs for Meritxell. The sanctuary is located off the main road, with a dedicated roundabout indicating the exit. Parking is available down the hill from the sanctuary. Driving distance is approximately 10 km and takes about 11 minutes. Parking is free.
Discover more about Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Esglèsia romànica Santa Maria de Meritxell
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RESTAURANT BORDA L' ERA DEL ROSSELL
0.1 km
Experience authentic Andorran cuisine at Borda L'Era del Rossell, a charming restaurant near the historic Santuario de Meritxell in Canillo.
Roc de les bruixes
0.5 km
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Mirador del Toll Bullidor
0.7 km
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La Cantina dels Racons
0.9 km
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Creu dels set braços (Cruz de los siete brazos)
1.1 km
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Ski Plaza Hotel & Wellness
1.3 km
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Canillo Andorra
1.4 km
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Via Ferrada Canal de la Mora
1.5 km
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Telecabina de Canillo
1.5 km
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Església de Sant Serni | Canillo
1.5 km
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Hotel Bonavida
1.5 km
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Coll d’Ordino
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Andorra Walking Festival
1.6 km
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Font d'Argent Canillo
1.6 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Camí del toll bullidor
0.2 km
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Via Ferrada Canal del Grau
1.1 km
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Pont Tibetà - Parada d'autobús de Canillo
1.3 km
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Via Ferrada Roc de Quer (Directíssima)
1.4 km
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Mirador Roc Del Quer | Canillo
1.4 km
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Palau de Gel d’Andorra
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Església de la Santa Creu de Canillo
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Tourism office and French Post Office
1.5 km
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Pont Tibetain
1.5 km
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Grandvalira Mon(t) Màgic Canillo
1.5 km
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Hugs
1.6 km
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Tamarro Nilo
1.7 km
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Saint Roman of les Bons
1.8 km
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Casa Cristo
2.3 km
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Sant Joan de Caselles Church
2.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Dagda Irish Pub en Canillo
1.3 km
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La Cabana
1.3 km
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Restaurante La Fonclette
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RESTAURANT PIZZERIA CAL LULU
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Arlequí Pizzeria
1.4 km
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La Relliscada
1.4 km
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RESTAURANT PIZZERIA LA TAULA DELS AMICS
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FRANKFURT EL COBERT
1.4 km
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RESTAURANT EL SOLÀ
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Taverna l'Iguana
1.5 km
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Burger Brothers Cafe - Canillo
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Cal Bonavida
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bar restaurant la Canya
1.7 km
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Molí del Peano
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Borda del Pi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La Casa Petita
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Pic Negre 9 - Canillo
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ESPORTS PIROT CANILLO
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Pic Negre 14 - Encamp
2.2 km
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Luz del universo Encamp
2.8 km
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Andorra Turisme
3.3 km
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ESPORTS CUBIL
4.1 km
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Centre Manacor
5.1 km
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Skiz
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Pic Negre 4 - El tarter
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NORDIC ESPORTS
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Ski Chalet Andorra - El Tarter | KOKONO
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Pic Negre 19 - Anyós
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Mobles Rustic Corner Art i Fusta- Andorra-La Massana
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bonÀrea
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Xiringuito del Mirador del Roc
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BAR LUGO
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TIRANT LO BLANC
2.1 km
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BAR GRANADA
2.3 km
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BAR ORLANDO
2.3 km
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BAR VALIPAS
2.4 km
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SIGNUM
2.5 km
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BAR LA PARADA
3.0 km
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HOTEL GASPA
5.3 km
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Sport Bar nemo
5.4 km
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Restaurant La Palmera
5.6 km
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Placeta El Tarter 25
5.6 km
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Restaurant Aldosa
5.7 km
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Dylan's
5.7 km
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Foc I Lloc
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