Canillo - Sant Joan de Caselles

To cross high mountain ranges was a very dangerous task in medieval times. It is no surprise that Romanesque churches (or the remains) line the old pass-routes in the Pyrenees as well as in the Alpes. These were places to pray before the final approach and places to thank for having accomplished the task.

Sant Joan de Caselles, erected within the 11th century, is exactly next to the old trail, that today is the main road, running south/north through the "Principality of Andorra". The architecture reminds on churches in the Vall de Boí (150kms east),

In the 12th century the interior walls of the church probably had frescoes all over. This large crucifix and the frescoes have survived the times.

Since medieval times, Andorra is a co-principality with the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell, as co-princes. The original title holders on the French side were the Counts of Foix, later the title was transferred to the French King, so after the Revolution the President inherited it.