an·DOR·uh - /ændɔˈɹʌ/
The origin of the name is uncertain. Folk explanation is Charlemagne named the region in reference to the Biblical Canaanite valley of Endor or Andor (where the Midianites were defeated) but Since the Ancient Greeks called the place Andosini (Ἀνδοσίνοι) long before Charlemagne, that seems unlikely.
The Greeks theorized it derive from the Basque handia, meaning big or giant or anorra which contains the Basque word ur=water (as Andorra is a very small land locked country san giants neither makes much sense to me.) Another theory suggests it's from Arabic ad-dārra (الدَّارَة) = vast land among mountains or a thickly wooded plac, which at least matches it's geography and the region has had heavy Moorish influences throughout history.
Why It's Worth a Visit -
Andorra's charming stone villages nestled in the breathtaking Pyrenees Mnts are a unique, relaxed blend of Catalan, French, & Spanish cultures. Bonus: all duty-free shopping!
@ a glance essentials:
Language:
Catalan
+ Spanish & French. Some can speak English a little, particularly the young.
Country's Visitation Limit:
90 Days
Water safety
Generally Safe to Drink
Emergency #
112 Police: 110 Ambulance:118
.
How to Say - Hello:
Hola
Thank You:
Gràcies
Hot Tip:
There is no airport & no train stations in Andorra so you will have to take a bus rom France or Spain if traveling by public transport, and you'll need a car to fully explore the Pyrenees.
Tradition states Andorra was granted a charter by Charlemagne in exchange for fighting the Moors, becoming an important part of the Frankish Marca Hispanica, (or buffer zone between the Frankish Empire and the Moors.)
Under the rule of the Count of Urgell (of Spain) in the 10th century is was traded to the Bishop of Urgell (in exchange for land in Cerdanya.) Fearing the Count would reclaim the region the Bishop signed over co-sovereignty to the Count of Foix (of what would later be France) establishing official co-rule in 1278 with a feudal agreement keeping the region the separate & neutral buffer state 'guarding' the pass between Spain & France that it is to this day, (helped by its rugged terrain, small size, and lack of significant resources which have made it unappealing for conquest.)
a bit of background...
................The unique co-principality of Andorra (now by the Bishop of Urgell & French President, formalized with the 1993 constitution) means whomever the French elect President also becomes the co-prince of Andorra: the only term-limited & elected Prince in the world.
FUN FACT:
Andorran people are a Romance ethnic group closely related to Catalans. There's evidence of humans in the region (at Sant Julià de Lòria), as early as 9,500 BC when it was used as a seasonal camp/ passing place between the Pyrenees Mountains. During the Neolithic, period (6640 BC) permanent settlers moved into the Valley of Madriu and the region was heavily influenced by Visigoth, Iberian & Roman cultures over the centuries.
Must Try Local Cuisine:
Escudella - white beans, cured ham, cabbage & chickpea stew ▪️ Embotits (Andorran sausage)
Cargols a la llauna (oven roasted snails) ▪️ Trinxat - chopped cabbage & potatoes (trinxat = minced/ sliced)
Torrijas - (Andorran version of French Toast with buns immersed in milk & wine)
Trucha a la Andorrana - grilled trout, topped w/ ham & almond sauce ▪️ Andorran Veal & Horse steaks
I haven't yet had the opportunity to visit
Andorra
(but it's on the list!) - So I don't have any personal . recommendations, but you can start with the most popular spots . below, and I'll be updated with my favorites, hopefully soon!
(If you get there first send me your best finds!)
♦️ The Pyreneese - w/ average altitudes of 2000m, Andorra's the highest country in Europe
🔸 Sking @ Pal-Arinsal (Vallnord) or Grandvalira (one of the largest ski resorts in the world)
♦️ Wellness Spas like Caldea Thermal Baths in Escaldes, one of the world's largest
(18 stories & 4 seperate spas)
🔸 Madriu-Parafita-Claror Valley
♦️ Romanesque Stone Churches like Sant Joan de Caselles, dating to the 11th century &
Sant Climent de Pal Church
🔸 Duty Free Shopping particularly in Andorra la Vella & Canillo
Most Known For:
🌀 Festes de l’Os dels Pirineus / Bear Festivities of the Pirineus (December) - Young men dress as bears & run
through the streets trying to catch participants. Bears symbolize life's difficulties & villagers work together to
catch them, overcoming the setbacks they struggled against that year. Each Parish has a variation:
Encamp has a Ball de l'Ossa/ Bear Dance & Ordino a performance: L’última Ossa’/ The Last Bear
🌀 International Sheepdog Competition (July) - in Canillo
🌀 Festa Majors - celebrating a towns' namesake/ patron Saint. Winter Festa's involve regional escudelles (stews)
Cool Local Festivals:
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