Sant Esteve Church
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Sant Esteve Church
Casa de la Vall
Casa de la Vall
Sant Esteve Church
Plaça Príncep Benlloch
Carrer Prat de la Creu
Plaça Príncep Benlloch
Andorra la Vella Old Town
© Alex Alishevskikh / Flickr
| CC BY-SA 2.0
Street in Andorra la Vella Old Town
© Touriststate
ATTRACTION
The Andorra la Vella Old Town, also called Barri Antic or Centro Histórico, is the oldest and most historic area of the capital. This small part of the city has narrow stone streets, quiet squares, and a mix of old medieval houses and traditional Andorran mountain-style buildings. While the rest of the city is known for modern shopping streets, the Old Town is calm and peaceful. It shows what Andorra la Vella looked like many years ago.
The area is small and easy to walk around. Visitors can see Sant Esteve Church, visit Casa de la Vall, and enjoy cosy cafés, small shops, and nice viewpoints between the historic buildings. It is one of the best places to discover Andorra’s culture and a great stop for anyone who enjoys local history, charming streets, and photography.
Below you can see a simple map of the Old Town with the main places marked, including historic buildings, key streets, restaurants, and convenient parking spots.
Now let’s look more closely at the main attractions and streets shown on the map, starting with the most important places to see in Andorra la Vella’s historic centre.
Sant Esteve Church is an important place in the Old Town. It was built in the 12th century in a Romanesque style and later repaired in some areas. The church is known for its tall bell tower, stone walls, and simple but beautiful arches.
Inside, the church is quiet and peaceful. You can see restored artwork and religious details from different periods. Even if you do not go inside, the outside of the church is beautiful and very popular for photos. Visitors usually spend 10–20 minutes inside, depending on how closely they observe the artworks and architectural details.
Tip: Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer people inside the church.
© TouristState
Casa de la Vall is one of the most important historic buildings in Andorra. Built in the 16th century, it served as the home of the General Council, the country’s parliament, for more than 300 years. The parliament moved to a new building in 2011, and in 2012 Casa de la Vall officially reopened as a museum.
The house has thick stone walls, small windows, and a traditional design that fits perfectly into the mountain landscape. Inside, you can see original meeting rooms, wooden furniture, and documents explaining how Andorra was governed in the past. Outside, there is a small terrace area with a short but beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Most visitors spend 20–30 minutes here, or slightly longer if joining a guided tour.
For more background, photos, and tips, see our dedicated Casa de la Vall guide.
Tip: Take a guided tour to hear stories about Andorra’s political history and to visit rooms that are not always open to the public.
The streets of the historic centre are narrow, quiet, and full of charm. You will see a mix of old stone façades and newer buildings that preserve the traditional Andorran look, with wooden balconies and old-style lamps. The atmosphere is slow and peaceful, making it easy to enjoy the surroundings. Some streets gently slope up or down, and in a few places the view opens up, giving you a clear look at the mountains in the distance.
The main streets to look for are Carrer Major, Carrer de la Vall, and Carrer del Pui. These are some of the oldest and most picturesque streets in the Barri Antic and perfectly represent the character of Andorra la Vella Old Town.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for soft light and better photos of the stone houses and mountain views.
Plaça Príncep Benlloch is a small and welcoming square located in the centre of the Old Town. It has cafés, benches, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a nice spot to rest during your walk. Traditional stone buildings surround the square, adding to its historical charm. Several short streets begin here, making it a natural point to continue exploring the Barri Antic.
Tip: Stop here for a coffee in the afternoon when the square is quieter and the light is best for photos.
The Old Town has several small restaurants serving traditional Andorran and mountain cuisine. Many are located inside renovated stone buildings, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. You will also find a few shops offering souvenirs, local food products, and handmade items. This area is quieter than the modern shopping streets, making it a pleasant place for a relaxed meal.
Two popular local restaurants shown on the map are Restaurant el Crostó and Restaurant Can Manel, both known for traditional dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
Tip: Try classic Andorran dishes such as trinxat (cabbage and potato), escudella (mountain stew), or grilled meats. These simple dishes are traditional in Andorra and the Pyrenees.
If you want a deeper experience of the Old Town with a local guide, you can book a private tour here:
Book Private Tour
Most people spend 1–2 hours here.
Sunset is one of the best times for photos.
It is the historic heart of the capital, known for narrow stone streets, mountain architecture, and landmarks such as Casa de la Vall and Sant Esteve Church. It’s the best place to experience Andorra’s traditional atmosphere.
Yes. It is generally quiet and safe. Some streets are steep or cobbled, but most visitors — including families — find it easy to explore with comfortable shoes.
Walking through the Old Town is free. Only specific attractions, such as Casa de la Vall, require a ticket for guided visits.
Yes. The area is open and well-lit at night, making it pleasant for an evening walk.
Yes. Several paid parking garages are located a short walk away. They can fill during busy periods, so arriving early helps.
It’s about a 10–15 minute walk from Avinguda Meritxell and the central bus stops. Just follow signs for Barri Antic or Casa de la Vall.
