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Santuario de Meritxell, Andorra

Meritxell, Canillo, Canillo

Description

The Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica in Andorra houses the image of Our Lady of Meritxell, the country's patron saint. The original 12th century Romanesque carving was destroyed by a fire along with the entire church in 1972 (it has been partially rebuilt since) but a copy has been made and is kept in the new Sanctuary that was designed in a style mixing old and new noticeable for the great white stone and slate arcs. The festival of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, the patron saint of the Valleys of Andorra, is held on 8th September. A few years ago, Meritzxell was included in the "Marian Route", which connects four other important sanctuaries in Spain and France: El Pilar, Montserrat, Torreciudad and Lourdes.

Access & Transport

The Basilica is just off the main CG-2 road, in the hamlet of Meritxell, 2km south of Canillo.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with a visit of the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles

Meta review

The Lady of Meritxell might be important to Andorrans, but it is the new church that impresses travellers with its unusual architecture. Visitors also enjoy the model replicas of the main churches in the Principality and recommend trying to join a guided tour (free) if possible, to learn more about the architecture and history of the buildings.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral (no carbon footprint). Positive from a social perspective as it helps preserve the region's cultural and architectural heritages

Conclusion

The Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica is without a doubt the most important religious temple in Andorra and even if you are not that interested into patron saints and their image carvings, the complex is really worth a visit, especially since it is only a short hop from other tourist attractions or the Soldeu / Grand Valira ski resort.

Key positive

Unusual and striking architecture

Key negative

None

Suitability

There seems to be an access path for wheelchair users. No religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Mass is every Sunday at 12.30pm

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY09:00 - 13:00

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 13:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 13:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 13:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 13:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 13:00

Period 2

MONDAY15:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY15:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY15:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY15:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY15:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY15:00 - 19:00

Pricing
Self-led tour with audio guide €1.50
Free

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