Santuario de Meritxell, Andorra
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Santuario de Meritxell - by manuel creus on Google
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
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
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h
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
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