Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Andorra

Andorra la Vella is the capital and with about 25 000 inhabitants the largest city of Andorra. It is the highest capital city in Europe. Here it is seen from Engolasters.

Sant Miquel d'Engolasters is located near the village of Engolasters at 1,504 m, dominating the entire valley of Andorra. It was probably erected in the early 12th century. The bell tower is very slender and large compared to the rest of the church. It is 17.5 m high, has a square base, and is crowned by a tiled roof. The slates of the church are covered with graffiti.

Sant Miquel d'Engolasters is located near the village of Engolasters at 1,504 m, dominating the entire valley of Andorra. It was probably erected in the early 12th century. The bell tower is very slender and large compared to the rest of the church. It is 17.5 m high, has a square base, and is crowned by a tiled roof.

Sant Miquel d'Engolasters is located near the village of Engolasters at 1,504 m, dominating the entire valley of Andorra. It was probably erected in the early 12th century. The bell tower is very slender and large compared to the rest of the church. It is 17.5 m high, has a square base, and is crowned by a tiled roof.

The original building was constructed in the 12th century and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries. The almost square nave with an apse has four side chapels. The two-story bell tower is at the end of the original nave. In 1968, during the restoration of the apse, mural paintings, dating from the late 12th century, were found. As the church was locked, we could not see them.

Sant Cristòfol d'Anyós is a Romanesque church in the Andorran municipality of La Massana. The original church was 5 × 4 meters in size. In the 16th century the building was expanded by lengthening the nave and adding a new roof.

This may be Andorra's oldest church. It is dedicated to Columba of Sens, the patron saint of Andorra. The nave of the church was built in the 6th or 8th century, and the cylindrical tower in the 12th century.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Part of the large "episcopal" complex is the church "Sant Miquel", next to the cloister (and seen on previous shots). This church (Latin cross) is older than the cathedral. It was erected before 1035, when Bishop St. Ermengol hold the see. He actually endowed this church in his will (1035). The transept and the apses of "Sant Miquel" with nice Lombardic bands.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. The cloister, south of the Cathedral of Santa Maria, has many carved capitals, of which some are very mystical.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. The cloister, south of the Cathedral of Santa Maria, has many carved capitals, of which some are very mystical. These snarling lions are pretty hungry, they are ready to hunt. These lions are strong and can speed as fast as a metro. So please be careful, keep your distance and mind the gap.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. The cloister, south of the Cathedral of Santa Maria, has lots of carved capitals.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. The cloister, south of the Cathedral of Santa Maria, has lots of carved capitals. Here it is seen from the first floor of the Diocese museum. Note the huge transept, ending in a massive rectangular tower, part of the medieval fortification of the complex.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. The northern portal of the Cathedral of Santa Maria is "just" a side door, but it has some extraordinary capitals. So here is a strange and rare combination of a mermaid and a Luxuria. Both stand for sexual lust, but so far I had never seen them combined. The two snakes have round heads - and eyes! The mermaid/Luxuria, with the typical long hair, has a rather stoic face. She does not seem interested in any kind of communication.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. Over the main portal of the western facade runs a long frieze, populated by a couple of strange creatures, like these two shy mermaids.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. The dimensions of the cathedral are surprising. Standing in the nave, facing east. Three of the four bays can be seen from this pov. This is a basilica, so there are two aisles at the sides.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on. The main portal of the western facade. Two weathered, damaged lions guard the doors. Just under the elaborate frieze are two man-devouring beasts.

This was an important place already in pre-Roman times, known to Strabo as the city of "Orgialla". A bishopric existed already in 527 when the Bishop of Urgell attended a council in Toledo. The bishopric here was (and still) is an important one, even the name "La Seu d'Urgell" translates to See of Urgell, and still today the Bishop of Urgell is co-prince of Andorra (The other co-prince is the French president). The Cathedral of Santa Maria dates back to the 12th century. It had three predecessors. One of these older cathedrals was consecrated in 839 by Bishop Sisebut in the presence of Sunifred I, father of Wilfred the Hairy (aka Guifré el Pilós). Bishop Otto of Urgell (1095-1122) initiated the present cathedral, planned and built by the architect (a term unknown at that time) "Raimundus Lambardus", but the building remained unfinished for quite a while, due to fights between the diocese and the Count Roger I of Foix, who preferred the Albingensian "heresy". In 1195 La Seu d'Urgell was sieged and looted - and at that time the present cathedral was used as a fortress. Of course, over the next centuries, many parts were added and/or changed and modeled, as the architectural fashion changed quite a lot. Josep Puig i Cadafalch, actually an architect connected to the "Modernista", led the reconstruction of the whole complex from 1918 on.