Plaça Santa Anna: Heart of Escaldes-Engordany

Plaça Santa Anna serves as a focal point in Escaldes-Engordany, a parish known for its thermal waters and shopping. The square is named after the Santa Anna cross, a significant landmark that once marked the road between the settlements of Escaldes and Engordany. The original cross, a Gothic stone structure dating back to the 17th century, is now housed in the Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre (CAEE) for preservation.The reproduction of the Santa Anna cross that stands in the square today is a reminder of the area's history. The cross's capital features a relief of Christ crucified and the Virgin Mary, complemented by plant motifs on its arms. In the early 20th century, the cross stood on a circular rock, which has since been replaced by a small cube.Escaldes-Engordany itself is a blend of the historic Engordany, known for its cultural sights, and the more modern Escaldes, a hub for shopping and the Caldea spa. The parish evolved significantly between the 1930s and 1960s, driven by the growth of spa tourism and the electrification of Andorra. Plaça Santa Anna lies on the Engordany Route, a historical trail that highlights the parish's rural origins and its development into a tourist center. While the tourist information office that was once located on Plaça Santa Anna is temporarily being relocated, the square remains a symbolic and accessible location for visitors. Recent works in the area aim to improve mobility and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.