Andorra la Vella

42.50751.52251011Koordinaten: 42 ° 30 ' N, 1 ° 31 ' E

Andorra la Vella [ əndorə lə βeʎə ] (Catalan for " Old -Andorra "; Spanish Andorra la Vieja, French Andorra -la -Vieille ) is the capital and with 22,398 (as of 31 December 2012) a population at the same time only city of Andorra. It is the highest capital city in Europe.

Geography

Andorra la Vella is located in the southwest of the country Andorra in the Eastern Pyrenees, at the confluence of two mountain streams Valira d' Ordino (also Valira del Nord) and Valira d' Encamp (also Valira d' Orient ) to the river Valira. Located at an altitude of 1,013 meters, it is a popular ski resort.

The climate is temperate, with cold winters and warm, dry summers. Temperatures vary from an average of -1 ° C in January to 20 ° C in July precipitation values ​​of about 808 mm.

History

The exact founding date of the city is unknown; but certainly it has already been established in pre-Christian times, probably from the Andosinen. Since 1287 as was created by a merger of the French and Catalan sovereignty in this area Andorra, Andorra la Vella was practically the capital of the new state, as their special rights over the other Andorran towns were granted. Some streets and buildings in the old town date from this time. The most remarkable building is the one, Casa de la Vall '', built in the 16th century, the Houses of Parliament since 1702. Andorra la Vella was the center of an isolated feudal state during this time.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Andorra was ignored and was not part of the Versailles Treaty. After political turmoil and a coup attempt by King Boris I slowly developed a loose democracy.

Since 1993, Andorra has its own constitution. This specifies that the seat of government in Andorra la Vella, is that this also officially became the capital. Meanwhile, Andorra la Vella became a tax haven, prompting a modern banking system could be established. Furthermore, the winter tourism developed.

Population

Andorran locals make up only about 33 % of the population. The majority of the population consists of Spaniards ( 43%). Significant minorities are Portuguese (11 %) and French ( 7%). The official language is Catalan, but Spanish, Portuguese and French are also spoken. Most inhabitants are Roman Catholics. The life expectancy is about 80 years.

Attractions

Andorra la Vella has some gems of medieval architecture:

  • The Casa de la Vall from the early 16th century is an excellent because of its historical significance building. It is since 1707 the seat of the General Council of the Valleys of Andorra, ie the seat of government and courthouse.
  • Santa Coloma is a church from the 9th century.
  • The church of Sant Esteve dates from the 11th century.
  • Margineda Bridge
  • Castle Sant Vicenç d' Enclar

Economy and infrastructure

Andorra la Vella is the hub of economic network and the industrial center of the country. In general, 80% of GDP to be taken on the 15 million visitors each year. The city is also a banking center. Although Andorra is not a member of the EU, the euro is the official currency.

The nearest airports are Toulouse, Perpignan, Girona or Barcelona each one requires about a three hour drive because the road network is not very dense due to the small population and the high mountain terrain. In Andorra there is no rail transport, but a small local bus network connects Andorra la Vella also with other countries.

Sports

Andorra la Vella was from 1998 to 2001 and 2008 stage finish of the cycling race Tour of Spain stage and start or destination of the Tour de France in the years 1964, 1993,1997 and 2009.

The Estadi Comunal d' Andorra la Vella, Andorra is the sports stadium. The football clubs UE Santa Coloma, CE principate, FC Santa Coloma and FC Rànger 's from Andorra la Vella play or played in the highest Andorran league, the Primera Divisió. The basketball club BC Andorra plays in the Spanish LEB.

Twinning

Cities partnerships with

  • Catalonia Valls in the province of Tarragona, since February 2, 1967
  • France Foix in the Midi -Pyrénées ( France)

Personalities

  • Bernadó Antoni (born 1966 ), long-distance runner
  • Albert Celades ( b. 1975 ), Spanish footballer
  • Marc Bernau Cano ( b. 1977 ), football player
  • Joan Vilana Díaz ( born 1977 ), ski mountaineer
  • Sophie Dusautoir Bertrand (born 1972 ), ski mountaineer
  • Mireia Gutiérrez (* 1988), alpine skier
  • Toni Casals Rueda ( born 1980 ), ski mountaineer
  • Marta Roure ( born 1981 ), singer
  • Albert Salvadó (* 1951), writer
  • Laure Soulie (* 1987), Andorran French biathlete
Boris Skossyreff Gross domestic product Toulouse–Blagnac Airport Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport Integrated Authority File
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