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 place, which at least matches it's geography and the region has had heavy Moorish influences throughout history.
* Endor/ Andor - {unknown origen] may be connected with en = spring and/ or dor = generation.
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
-
-
Water safety
Generally Safe to Drink
+ Spanish & French. Some can speak English a little, particularly the young.
Currency:
Euro
Local Transport
There is a bus network in large cities but smaller towns will require a car.
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.
Hot Tip:
Andorrans 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. Permanent settlers moved into the Valley of Madriu sometime later with Indo-European tribes including Celts & Iberians, arriving in the first millennia BC. The region was heavily influenced by Visigoth, Ottoman & Roman cultures over the centuries.
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:
Tradition states Andorra was granted a charter by Charlemagne in exchange for fighting the Moors, becoming an important part of the Frankish Marca Hispanica, (a buffer zone between the Frankish Empire and the Moors.)
Under the rule of 10th c. Count of Urgell (of Spain) it was traded to the Bishop of Urgell (in exchange for land in Cerdanya.) Fearing the Count would try to reclaim it, the Bishop then signed a co-sovereignty agreement with the Count of Foix (of future France) establishing co-rule in 1278. Due to its rugged terrain, small size, and lack of significant resources Andorra hasn't been a target of conquest, and has thus, uniquely maintained independence and this original feudal organizational structure to this day; serving as a neutral buffer state🔍 guarding the mountain pass between Spain & France.
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
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
➿➰➿
† Trinxat = minced/ sliced
I haven't yet had the opportunity to visit
Andorra
(but it's on the list!) - So I don't have any personal
(If you get there first send me your best finds !)
recommendations yet, but you can start with the most popular spots
below, and I'll update with my favorites, hopefully soon!
Most Known For:
♦️ The Pyreneese - @ average altitudes of 2000m, (making Andorra Europe's highest country)
🔸 Wellness Centers like the Caldea Thermal Baths in Escaldes, one of the world's largest Spas
with 18 stories! & 4 separate spas
♦️ Romanesque stone churches🔍 like Sant Climent de Pal Church and Sant Joan de Caselles,
dating to the 11th century
🔸 Sking @ Pal-Arinsal (Vallnord) or Grandvalira (one of the largest ski resorts in the world)
♦️ The Madriu-Parafita-Claror Valley
🔸 Duty Free Shopping particularly in Andorra la Vella & Canillo
🌀 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)
Site Key:
Five Star Recommend
Make the Time!
Worth the Effort/ $
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