One of the best ways to discover the culture of a country is, without a doubt, walking its streets and discovering the most emblematic places of its historical complex. For this reason, the Comú d'Encamp has created different cultural routes to discover the cultural and historical legacy of the parish for tourists and residents. One of these routes is the Itinerari de Les Bons, which allows you to observe the centuries-old architecture and the most emblematic places that marked the history of Andorra, between the 12th and 20th centuries.
So, if you are asking yourself the question “what to do in Andorra with your family” or if you simply don't know what to visit in Andorra during your vacation, we suggest you take the Les Bons Itinerari.
Get to know Andorra through its centuries-old architecture
The cultural and historical heritage of Andorra is defined, in part, by the architecture of its buildings and urban spaces. Some of them were built in the 12th century, such as the Romanesque church of Sant Romà de Les Bons. This architectural work is one of the greatest exponents of the Lombard style in Andorra, with an interior where remains of the ancient wall paintings can still be seen. In fact, during your visit to Andorra, it will be very common to find different Romanesque style churches, of enormous cultural and historical value. One more reason to spend your Andorra vacation with your family.
On the other hand, it is interesting to get to know the Principality through emblematic buildings such as the Torre dels Moros, built in the 16th century, and which served as a military defense lookout against the attacks of the Huguenots. Likewise, it is worth highlighting other architectural works such as the Pont de Les Bons, a building built in 1948 and which for years was the only access route to the municipality.
Discover Andorra traveling along the royal roads and El Camí de l'Oratori
The parish of Encamp is well known by residents and tourists for having a wide network of routes to practice outdoor sports, especially in summer. In this sense, traveling the paths that are in the same municipality of Encamp or surrounding areas, in addition to practicing sports and delighting in the landscapes that Andorra offers, you will have the opportunity to discover its trails full of history. We are talking specifically about the royal roads and El Camí de l'Oratori.
In the past, these roads were the main communication routes of the country, uniting the different parishes. Likewise, during your visit to Andorra, you will discover that these roads are still found in the valleys and that, through them, you can comfortably cross the Principality, either on foot or by bicycle. One of the most notable is El Camí de l'Oratori, the main communication route with France from Canillo.
Therefore, walking this path is not only one of the best ways to get to know the surroundings of Andorra, but it also allows you to discover the access route to the old oratory: the Oratori de Les Bons. A small chapel from the 19th century, which was a place of pilgrimage for many believers, who came from all corners of the Principality to pray to the Mare de Déu.
The historic rustic houses as a heritage of today's Andorra
Along the Les Bons Itinerary there are many rustic houses representative of yesteryear, highlighting Cal Cotxa and Ca de Mas. The first of them, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, today still preserves part of the original painting on its façade. Furthermore, it is known that its tenants held important positions within the public administration of Andorra, a fact that made them one of the wealthiest families in the country.
On the other hand, during your family vacation in Andorra you cannot miss Cal Cotxa, one of the most representative rustic houses of the 18th century. The building, excavated in the rock, has three floors and allows great insulation from heat and cold, making it a home perfectly adapted to the country's climate. Furthermore, during your visit to Andorra and Cal Cotxa you will discover some of the details of the families who lived in these fabulous period houses and, in general, learn about their lifestyle in the 18th century.
Therefore, if you are planning to visit Andorra soon and you still do not have accommodation that allows you to explore the Les Bons Itinerary, in our family hotel in Encamp you will be located near the historic complex of Les Bons. Don't think twice and discover what to visit in Andorra during your family vacation! We are waiting for you at Hotel Montecarlo.