Encamp is undoubtedly a great destination if you are planning to visit Andorra with the chance to visit that resort, a stupendous Pyrenean jewel of a stunning Principality enclosed between France and Spain, a land which despite its reduced size offers a great historic patrimony and a magnificent natural environment.
Once there many are the interesting places to discover day by day with several opportunities to practise outdoor activities among them winter sports with the superb chance to spend fabulous holidays keeping with you very pleasant memories.
Located at just 8,0 kilometres from the capital Andorra La Vella south of the magnificent Coll de Ordino in the middle of the Pyrenees mountains at 1,300 metres of altitude on the shore of the Valira d' Orient River with its 14,000 inhabitants that centre is dominated by the scenic silhouette of the Pic dels Pessons which with its 2,685 metres is the highest peak in the municipal boundaries.
Formed by various agglomerations such as Mosquera, Tremat, Pas de la Casa, Les Bons, Vila, Grau Roig and Encamp all them with their identity, history, rooted traditions originally humble villages populated by farmers, local artisans but the advent of the tourism industry became in a short time the major resource changing in contemporary times their history.
All together gained fame after a solid union under a unique administration starting a new life with new proposals, cooperation and partnerships by local entrepreneurs with operations also focused to a re-valuation of the historic patrimony, the establishment of excellent Hotels next to other kinds of accommodations, the boom of winter sports and much more.
That municipality with the nearest Soldeu, Canillo and el Tarter is nowadays part of the famous Grandvalira complex and ski area which gave Andorra fame, prestige, a Paradise for the most passionate skiers who have opportunity to practise their favourite activity at a very high level.
That resort is a splendid site to enjoy wonderful stays all year despite is mainly popular for its superb Alpine skiing pistes served by a fabulous network of facilities among the most complete of Southern Europe boasting great services with brilliant features, qualities which elevated it since some decades ago as a top destination.
Encamp is a very trendy place continuing year by year to attract many people coming from the Iberian Peninsula but in a very short time it was able to conquer many others from different countries, very enthusiastic tourists who after a first trip had not hesitation to return enjoying that sort of natural Eden.
Once there many are the interesting places to discover day by day with several opportunities to practise outdoor activities among them winter sports with the superb chance to spend fabulous holidays keeping with you very pleasant memories.
Located at just 8,0 kilometres from the capital Andorra La Vella south of the magnificent Coll de Ordino in the middle of the Pyrenees mountains at 1,300 metres of altitude on the shore of the Valira d' Orient River with its 14,000 inhabitants that centre is dominated by the scenic silhouette of the Pic dels Pessons which with its 2,685 metres is the highest peak in the municipal boundaries.
Formed by various agglomerations such as Mosquera, Tremat, Pas de la Casa, Les Bons, Vila, Grau Roig and Encamp all them with their identity, history, rooted traditions originally humble villages populated by farmers, local artisans but the advent of the tourism industry became in a short time the major resource changing in contemporary times their history.
All together gained fame after a solid union under a unique administration starting a new life with new proposals, cooperation and partnerships by local entrepreneurs with operations also focused to a re-valuation of the historic patrimony, the establishment of excellent Hotels next to other kinds of accommodations, the boom of winter sports and much more.
That municipality with the nearest Soldeu, Canillo and el Tarter is nowadays part of the famous Grandvalira complex and ski area which gave Andorra fame, prestige, a Paradise for the most passionate skiers who have opportunity to practise their favourite activity at a very high level.
That resort is a splendid site to enjoy wonderful stays all year despite is mainly popular for its superb Alpine skiing pistes served by a fabulous network of facilities among the most complete of Southern Europe boasting great services with brilliant features, qualities which elevated it since some decades ago as a top destination.
Encamp is a very trendy place continuing year by year to attract many people coming from the Iberian Peninsula but in a very short time it was able to conquer many others from different countries, very enthusiastic tourists who after a first trip had not hesitation to return enjoying that sort of natural Eden.
Many visitors once landed there discovered that all around its boundaries there are many things to do including a relevant cultural tourism thanks to the presence of museums, historic medieval sites of immense value, architectural gems. a rich calendar of events and very interesting appointments.
The local Institutions worked very hard taking in consideration that despite the small surface area of the State the proximity of two big countries as France and Spain apart to be a direct resource for active incoming operations during winter season could be due to the vicinity a chance to develop other links with those important Nations with the aim to host big events.
That Principality started with success to be protagonist in its territory with two prestigious cycling races organised by those States such as the iconic Tour de France and Vuelta España with challenging stages in transit or with arrivals at Andorra.
The extreme resonance of those popular appointments in spring and summer increased furthermore the fame of the Pyrenean Principality, with a multitude of amateur cyclists enchanted to visit that land but also attracting many other curious people pleased to spend some overnights in those fascinating places discovered on TV, all that created a further base to launch the local tourism industry not just focused to winter sports.
The landscapes of the Pyrenees with their charming, shaped peaks looking at towards the French and Iberian sides are a great attraction combined with the scenic presence of the course of a waterway which with its sinuous course descending from the Mountains of the Massif of Pessons crossing the entire Encamp.
That watercourse is totally flanked by captivating green forests forming all together a magnificent, natural frame of that striking mountainous corner of Europe.
It is not a case that land is extremely loved by mountaineering fans, trekkers and enthusiastic photographers because all that area of that stunning Principality is also a splendid incentive to enjoy brilliant excursions in that Eden.
Closely related to that you can enjoy the wonderful Senda Pirenaica GR 11, a famous route in the Pyrenees rich of attractions across a territory packed by wonderful paths also entering in Spanish and French lands.
Closely related to that the Andorran Tourism Board made a good promotion, an incentive particularly attractive directed to visitors who are very interested in that kind of activity.
Some of those trails of outstanding beauty also reach the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia ending in in the area of the famous town of Figueres and the peninsula of Cap de Creus with the notorious seaside resort of Cadaqués on the splendid Northern Costa Brava.
That is a great chance for all those who are fans of the famed artist Salvador Dali to visit his beloved places apart the numerous attractions those sites offer. (In the case you are interested I wrote a post about that popular coastal destination)
The history of Encamp lived the same chronological stages of the entire Andorra, a land which according to archaeological excavations was inhabited since prehistoric times, colonised by the Roman Empire and invaded by the Moors.
According to historic documentations and suppositions the latter probably gave the name to that territory with a denomination deriving from the Arabian word Al-Darra meaning forest for a vast surface of the territory covered by woodland.
The Franks since the 8th century with the successive Carolingian dynasties in medieval times among them that of the Counts of Roussillon also played an important role in the local historic events ruling that mountainous land which was in different occasions occupied by French troops and released by the English Army in the early 19th century during the long war against Napoléon Bonaparte.
In more contemporary times with the establishment of the Independent Principality, Andorra lived for a long time isolated including a bit intimidated for other different reasons as in the 30's for the Civil War and the Dictatorship regime established in the nearest Spain or suffering a further occupation by France despite treaties and recognition of its neutrality and autonomy.
The heart of the resort is mainly concentrated in a pretty compact area enclosed between the streets Carrer de L´Arena at south and Avinguda de Roulliac at northeast, two arteries which are very good points of reference and orientation during the visit corresponding to exits or entrances of the town crossed by the Valira d' Orient river which flows in the core of the inhabited agglomeration.
Notable is the relevant historic patrimony of that centre offers, I suggest you to start your visit from Casa Cristo, Christ House situated along an artery called Carrer Dels Cavallers, the Cavaliers Street, a building considered an emblematic symbol not only of Encamp but of the entire Principality.
That picturesque stone house was transformed in a museum in 1995 hosting the Museu Etnografico Casa Cristo displaying the humble life of an Andorran family in a typical rural environment in the 19th century.
That construction before to host the current exhibition was originally inhabited by a family who emigrated later to France looking for a better life.
It is very interesting during a visit to know more about the culture of that country visiting one of its oldest structures learning how people lived in the past with the chance to see the arrangements, spaces, furniture and objects displayed in its interior.
That watercourse is totally flanked by captivating green forests forming all together a magnificent, natural frame of that striking mountainous corner of Europe.
It is not a case that land is extremely loved by mountaineering fans, trekkers and enthusiastic photographers because all that area of that stunning Principality is also a splendid incentive to enjoy brilliant excursions in that Eden.
Closely related to that you can enjoy the wonderful Senda Pirenaica GR 11, a famous route in the Pyrenees rich of attractions across a territory packed by wonderful paths also entering in Spanish and French lands.
Closely related to that the Andorran Tourism Board made a good promotion, an incentive particularly attractive directed to visitors who are very interested in that kind of activity.
Some of those trails of outstanding beauty also reach the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia ending in in the area of the famous town of Figueres and the peninsula of Cap de Creus with the notorious seaside resort of Cadaqués on the splendid Northern Costa Brava.
That is a great chance for all those who are fans of the famed artist Salvador Dali to visit his beloved places apart the numerous attractions those sites offer. (In the case you are interested I wrote a post about that popular coastal destination)
The history of Encamp lived the same chronological stages of the entire Andorra, a land which according to archaeological excavations was inhabited since prehistoric times, colonised by the Roman Empire and invaded by the Moors.
According to historic documentations and suppositions the latter probably gave the name to that territory with a denomination deriving from the Arabian word Al-Darra meaning forest for a vast surface of the territory covered by woodland.
The Franks since the 8th century with the successive Carolingian dynasties in medieval times among them that of the Counts of Roussillon also played an important role in the local historic events ruling that mountainous land which was in different occasions occupied by French troops and released by the English Army in the early 19th century during the long war against Napoléon Bonaparte.
In more contemporary times with the establishment of the Independent Principality, Andorra lived for a long time isolated including a bit intimidated for other different reasons as in the 30's for the Civil War and the Dictatorship regime established in the nearest Spain or suffering a further occupation by France despite treaties and recognition of its neutrality and autonomy.
The heart of the resort is mainly concentrated in a pretty compact area enclosed between the streets Carrer de L´Arena at south and Avinguda de Roulliac at northeast, two arteries which are very good points of reference and orientation during the visit corresponding to exits or entrances of the town crossed by the Valira d' Orient river which flows in the core of the inhabited agglomeration.
Notable is the relevant historic patrimony of that centre offers, I suggest you to start your visit from Casa Cristo, Christ House situated along an artery called Carrer Dels Cavallers, the Cavaliers Street, a building considered an emblematic symbol not only of Encamp but of the entire Principality.
That picturesque stone house was transformed in a museum in 1995 hosting the Museu Etnografico Casa Cristo displaying the humble life of an Andorran family in a typical rural environment in the 19th century.
That construction before to host the current exhibition was originally inhabited by a family who emigrated later to France looking for a better life.
It is very interesting during a visit to know more about the culture of that country visiting one of its oldest structures learning how people lived in the past with the chance to see the arrangements, spaces, furniture and objects displayed in its interior.
You can continue after that interesting cultural highlight with another very interesting attraction consisting the Esglesia de Santa Eulàlia d´Encamp, a splendid Church dedicated to that Saint as it says its name, a figure who was elevated as Patroness of Barcelona suffering the martyrdom in 303 in that city during the persecution of Christians during the times of Emperor Diocletian.
That Sacred building is a beautiful example of local Romanesque art showing the most pure, true medieval architecture executed in Andorra in the 11th century with further works which took place in the 12th century when was ended its development.
The architectural inspiration of that Religious Temple for shape, height, size, volume including its captivating facade, roof, portico and portals is reminiscent the style adopted in Northern Italy in the Middle Ages.
In all those details it reminds very much many constructions you can see nowadays especially in Emilia Romagna in the areas of Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia but also Lombardy especially in the provinces of Como, Bergamo, Cremona,Lodi or in the southern territories of the province of Milan.
Very similar are in addition the lines executed in the front side, the space used for the establishment of the apse and the development of the nave.
That beautiful stone Church in addition is highlighted by a relevant attraction consisting in the highest bell tower of Andorra, a majestic, imposing towering building 23,0 metres high elevated on a square base attached in the 12th century to the central body of that Ecclesiastic complex.
Considerable highlights are also series of fine, curved windows placed on three levels on its upper section.
That relevant masterpiece had during the course of its history some restorations in different periods, the last dating back the 80's due to some works closely related to some archaeological excavations which took place in its immediate surroundings.
In the interior of that ancient Romanesque Temple you can admire a splendid, spacious apse highlighted by a Baroque altar which according to historic documentations replaced the former medieval.
Worth a special mention the charming, central nave flanked by splendid stained glass windows transmitting exterior light to the entire interior setting and a great highlight is a relevant, granite baptismal font with engraved some Christian crosses surrounded by blind arches dated the Middle Ages.
Parc del Prat Gran is a large, verdant area arranged as a municipal park developed in 1999 which since its establishment is the green lung of Encamp where you can see a big oval fountain and some sculptures.
It is a relaxing place the locals usually use to enjoy pleasant walks but also for tourists, delighted by a fantastic view of the Pyrenean mountainous chain encircling the town.
From there you can continue towards the Mirador del Bosc de las Allaus, the view point of the avalanches, a denomination because in that area there were some landslides situated in proximity of a Church called Esglesia de Sant Jaume de Cortals dedicated to St.James, a pretty modern Sacred building erected in the 90's and consecrated in 1999.
That site is one the favourite destinations for several photographers for its special environment formed by pine and fir forests beneath towering peaks with a splendid view of the valley, a place in addition highlighted by the presence of magnificent rocky vertical walls.
In proximity of that Church you will notice on the side of the road leading to the small Esglesia de Sant Filip, the Church of St.Philip the presence of a sculpture made by an Irish artist called Michael Warren.
That work dated 1991 was named Lloc Pagá which translated means Pagan place consists in in three high wooden pillars two of them facing the third very similar to the notorious Bow Beneath you can see in Dublin outside the Irish Museum of Modern Art executed by the artist himself in the Irish Capital in the same year.
During the visit of the town if you are a museums lover you can have the opportunity to visit some very interesting exhibitions
.One of them situated on the avenue Avinguda Coprincep Episcopal is the Musey Nacional de l´Automobil d´Andorra, The National Musem of the Car of Andorra.
That splendid site displays in different sections a wide collection of vintage cars of the second half of the 20th century with over 80 vehicles considered one of the most complete and captivating in its kind in Europe.
Its rooms apart that unique attraction also host other fantastic memorabilia such as some motorcycles, bicycles, replicas of models, historic documents, mechanical pieces and several posters.
One of the main highlights is an old steam machine called Pinette, that museum is very interesting if you want to know and learn more the history of determined means of transport made in different periods apart to admire the beauty of iconic vehicles which marked different eras of car industry.
Another exhibition established in Encamp deserving a visit is the MW Museu de l´Electricitat representing a sort of walk in the world of the electricity illustrating the visitor the history of the electric energy in many interesting aspects.
That site is hosted in the FEDA building, the electric central power plant opened in 1934 in the municipality, in a space you can see the operations managed in the establishment with protagonists its turbines in action, a special attraction to understand better how the electricity is generated and distributed in different, specific stages.
That Sacred building is a beautiful example of local Romanesque art showing the most pure, true medieval architecture executed in Andorra in the 11th century with further works which took place in the 12th century when was ended its development.
The architectural inspiration of that Religious Temple for shape, height, size, volume including its captivating facade, roof, portico and portals is reminiscent the style adopted in Northern Italy in the Middle Ages.
In all those details it reminds very much many constructions you can see nowadays especially in Emilia Romagna in the areas of Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia but also Lombardy especially in the provinces of Como, Bergamo, Cremona,Lodi or in the southern territories of the province of Milan.
Very similar are in addition the lines executed in the front side, the space used for the establishment of the apse and the development of the nave.
That beautiful stone Church in addition is highlighted by a relevant attraction consisting in the highest bell tower of Andorra, a majestic, imposing towering building 23,0 metres high elevated on a square base attached in the 12th century to the central body of that Ecclesiastic complex.
Considerable highlights are also series of fine, curved windows placed on three levels on its upper section.
That relevant masterpiece had during the course of its history some restorations in different periods, the last dating back the 80's due to some works closely related to some archaeological excavations which took place in its immediate surroundings.
In the interior of that ancient Romanesque Temple you can admire a splendid, spacious apse highlighted by a Baroque altar which according to historic documentations replaced the former medieval.
Worth a special mention the charming, central nave flanked by splendid stained glass windows transmitting exterior light to the entire interior setting and a great highlight is a relevant, granite baptismal font with engraved some Christian crosses surrounded by blind arches dated the Middle Ages.
Parc del Prat Gran is a large, verdant area arranged as a municipal park developed in 1999 which since its establishment is the green lung of Encamp where you can see a big oval fountain and some sculptures.
It is a relaxing place the locals usually use to enjoy pleasant walks but also for tourists, delighted by a fantastic view of the Pyrenean mountainous chain encircling the town.
From there you can continue towards the Mirador del Bosc de las Allaus, the view point of the avalanches, a denomination because in that area there were some landslides situated in proximity of a Church called Esglesia de Sant Jaume de Cortals dedicated to St.James, a pretty modern Sacred building erected in the 90's and consecrated in 1999.
That site is one the favourite destinations for several photographers for its special environment formed by pine and fir forests beneath towering peaks with a splendid view of the valley, a place in addition highlighted by the presence of magnificent rocky vertical walls.
In proximity of that Church you will notice on the side of the road leading to the small Esglesia de Sant Filip, the Church of St.Philip the presence of a sculpture made by an Irish artist called Michael Warren.
That work dated 1991 was named Lloc Pagá which translated means Pagan place consists in in three high wooden pillars two of them facing the third very similar to the notorious Bow Beneath you can see in Dublin outside the Irish Museum of Modern Art executed by the artist himself in the Irish Capital in the same year.
During the visit of the town if you are a museums lover you can have the opportunity to visit some very interesting exhibitions
.One of them situated on the avenue Avinguda Coprincep Episcopal is the Musey Nacional de l´Automobil d´Andorra, The National Musem of the Car of Andorra.
That splendid site displays in different sections a wide collection of vintage cars of the second half of the 20th century with over 80 vehicles considered one of the most complete and captivating in its kind in Europe.
Its rooms apart that unique attraction also host other fantastic memorabilia such as some motorcycles, bicycles, replicas of models, historic documents, mechanical pieces and several posters.
One of the main highlights is an old steam machine called Pinette, that museum is very interesting if you want to know and learn more the history of determined means of transport made in different periods apart to admire the beauty of iconic vehicles which marked different eras of car industry.
Another exhibition established in Encamp deserving a visit is the MW Museu de l´Electricitat representing a sort of walk in the world of the electricity illustrating the visitor the history of the electric energy in many interesting aspects.
That site is hosted in the FEDA building, the electric central power plant opened in 1934 in the municipality, in a space you can see the operations managed in the establishment with protagonists its turbines in action, a special attraction to understand better how the electricity is generated and distributed in different, specific stages.
A further, great highlight of Encamp is a a path linking that centre to another famous site part of the complex of the Grandvalira : Canillo.
That trail is called Camino Real, the Royal Walk and along it you can admire an important historic monument L´Oratori de Mare de Deu ,the Oratory of the Mother of God.
That charming stone Chapel contains a beautiful majolica work by the artist Ramon Argiles dating back 1999 inserted in a wall depicting a figure of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus Chirst flanked by floral themes, placed as an open window towards the green backdrop of that Pyrenees valley.
That site with the same Religious figure is also venerated in a Catalan village called Gallifa in the County of Girona.
That concrete area is particularly beautiful for the stunning ,verdant environment with great panoramic views of that corner of the Principality and in addition walking along a very scenic trail you can reach the Llac of Engolasters, a splendid small lake which worth a visit without hesitations if you are spending a stay in Encamp.
Situated at an altitude of 1616,0 metres, it is approximately 2,0 kilometres long with an average depth of 10,0 metres.That stupendous waters basin was formed by a glaciar depression alimented by two streams called Madiru and Valira del Estecompletely surrounded by a scenic forest of pine trees next to a scenic, ample meadow.
The scenery is absolutely wonderful and there also some legends linked to that site. One of them tells that it was held by some witches who danced naked with the locals scared watching those performances and in the case someone was discovered the destiny would be to turn into a stone.
A further one is related to the stars in the sky which bewitched by the beauty of that waters basin fell into it remaining eternally prisoners in its bed.
Approximately 1,5 kilometres from the town in direction of the capital Andorra la Vella, I recommend you to visit the neighbourhood of Vila.
That charming village with approximately 1,200 inhabitants is situated in a very peaceful high plateau at 1,417 metres of altitude very famous for the presence in its boundaries of a splendid Esglesia de Sant Romá a medieval Church dedicated to St. Roman representing a superb, example of fine Romanesque artistic school of the 12th century.
That magnficent construction is considered one of the Religious monuments better conserved of the entire Principality officially consecrated in 1164, a stone masterpiece erected on an irregular rectangular plan developed on a rocky promontory dominating the other neighbourhood of Les Bons.
The architectural structure consists in a nave with the presence of a lateral arched doorway on one side and other stone elements placed in different periods as a beautiful belfry inserted above the roof surmounting a square window.
You will notice that the semicircular apse as the previously mentioned Church of Sant´Eulalia has a strong influence of Lombard-Romanesque architecture, including other details are related to that as a splendid, arched door but also the shape of the roof.
Inside you can see relevant, old frescoes despite they are a bit deteriorated next to a fine, wooden work dedicated to Saint Roman of Antioquia consisting ino the main highlight of that historic construction.
That trail is called Camino Real, the Royal Walk and along it you can admire an important historic monument L´Oratori de Mare de Deu ,the Oratory of the Mother of God.
That charming stone Chapel contains a beautiful majolica work by the artist Ramon Argiles dating back 1999 inserted in a wall depicting a figure of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus Chirst flanked by floral themes, placed as an open window towards the green backdrop of that Pyrenees valley.
That site with the same Religious figure is also venerated in a Catalan village called Gallifa in the County of Girona.
That concrete area is particularly beautiful for the stunning ,verdant environment with great panoramic views of that corner of the Principality and in addition walking along a very scenic trail you can reach the Llac of Engolasters, a splendid small lake which worth a visit without hesitations if you are spending a stay in Encamp.
Situated at an altitude of 1616,0 metres, it is approximately 2,0 kilometres long with an average depth of 10,0 metres.That stupendous waters basin was formed by a glaciar depression alimented by two streams called Madiru and Valira del Estecompletely surrounded by a scenic forest of pine trees next to a scenic, ample meadow.
The scenery is absolutely wonderful and there also some legends linked to that site. One of them tells that it was held by some witches who danced naked with the locals scared watching those performances and in the case someone was discovered the destiny would be to turn into a stone.
A further one is related to the stars in the sky which bewitched by the beauty of that waters basin fell into it remaining eternally prisoners in its bed.
Approximately 1,5 kilometres from the town in direction of the capital Andorra la Vella, I recommend you to visit the neighbourhood of Vila.
That charming village with approximately 1,200 inhabitants is situated in a very peaceful high plateau at 1,417 metres of altitude very famous for the presence in its boundaries of a splendid Esglesia de Sant Romá a medieval Church dedicated to St. Roman representing a superb, example of fine Romanesque artistic school of the 12th century.
That magnficent construction is considered one of the Religious monuments better conserved of the entire Principality officially consecrated in 1164, a stone masterpiece erected on an irregular rectangular plan developed on a rocky promontory dominating the other neighbourhood of Les Bons.
The architectural structure consists in a nave with the presence of a lateral arched doorway on one side and other stone elements placed in different periods as a beautiful belfry inserted above the roof surmounting a square window.
You will notice that the semicircular apse as the previously mentioned Church of Sant´Eulalia has a strong influence of Lombard-Romanesque architecture, including other details are related to that as a splendid, arched door but also the shape of the roof.
Inside you can see relevant, old frescoes despite they are a bit deteriorated next to a fine, wooden work dedicated to Saint Roman of Antioquia consisting ino the main highlight of that historic construction.
Very close to Vila you can reach another neighbourhood of 1,250 inhabitants called Les Bons consisting in a very
small agglomeration of houses established in that place in different periods at an altitude of 1,617 metres.
That area of the Principality was originally fortified many centuries ago to protect Andorra and the most relevant monument is the Esglesia de Sant Romá de Bons elevated in the 12th century dedicated to Saint Roman of Aquitaine, another splendid Romanesque jewel elevated in the Pyrenees.
That stone, gable building erected on a polygonal plan boasts a fine, main facade boasting a beautiful, rectangular portal developed on a captivating, stone step, it has a small nave and on one of its sides you can notice the presence of an ample, rectangular window while behind the main body was inserted a block including a belfry with two arched spaces containing the bells.
That area of the Principality was originally fortified many centuries ago to protect Andorra and the most relevant monument is the Esglesia de Sant Romá de Bons elevated in the 12th century dedicated to Saint Roman of Aquitaine, another splendid Romanesque jewel elevated in the Pyrenees.
That stone, gable building erected on a polygonal plan boasts a fine, main facade boasting a beautiful, rectangular portal developed on a captivating, stone step, it has a small nave and on one of its sides you can notice the presence of an ample, rectangular window while behind the main body was inserted a block including a belfry with two arched spaces containing the bells.
The interior is highlighted by a curved apse, relevant are some frescoes depicting St.Roman of Aquitaine and some Arab-Berber themes with scenes representing Arabian towers with the bath of a Moorish Queen.
That work according to a legend was painted to pay homage to the wife of a Mufti, a governor who decided to establish a channelled water system for bathing and personal hygiene taking the waters from the valley to a higher ground in the village of Les Bons.
Pas de la Casa is the emblematic symbol of Winter Sport of Encamp, a neighbourhood considered in its kind a sort of icon of the Grandvalira Complex, the most populated area of the town behind Encamp and furthermore it is the main gate leading to the French border.
In that site you can enjoy some of the best slopes of that stunning Principality next to those developed in the other resorts of Canillo, Soldeu and el Tarter.
Every year it is protagonist of impressive incoming flows of tourism and apart for winter sports it is also a renowned destination for shopping.
That work according to a legend was painted to pay homage to the wife of a Mufti, a governor who decided to establish a channelled water system for bathing and personal hygiene taking the waters from the valley to a higher ground in the village of Les Bons.
Pas de la Casa is the emblematic symbol of Winter Sport of Encamp, a neighbourhood considered in its kind a sort of icon of the Grandvalira Complex, the most populated area of the town behind Encamp and furthermore it is the main gate leading to the French border.
In that site you can enjoy some of the best slopes of that stunning Principality next to those developed in the other resorts of Canillo, Soldeu and el Tarter.
Every year it is protagonist of impressive incoming flows of tourism and apart for winter sports it is also a renowned destination for shopping.
The local Parish also
has a peculiar history because in the past it found an agreement to join Encamp as a
neighbourhood although there was a strong resistance by local movements which
wanted to keep the autonomy of that former indipendent village to preserve their identity and cultural roots with in many cases constant protests to that future union.
Including there was another movement created by some French residents called Front Envaliran de Libération who desired an incorporation of that settlement to France.
Pas de la Casa which translated means the Pass of the House, a denomination taken from a small old house inhabited by local shepherds erected in that area.
The Princes of Andorra gave the resort that name in honour of something of very representative and scenic but the former name was originally Pas del Bac meaning Pass of the Mountain.
That captivating neighbourhood is bathed by the river Ariège which source born in the nearest Estany de Fontnegra, a Catalan lake situated in the comarca of the Alta Cerdanya continuing its course crossing that site until the French territory embracing the Garonne river and it is the only point of Andorra where water drains into the Atlantic.
That district of Encamp has its own Parish Church, the Esglesia de Sant Pere dedicated to St.Peter and one of its main attractions is undoubtedly the Port d´Envalira, the highest pass of Andorra located at 2,408 metres of altitude.
Along it was developed a tunnel totally established in Andorran territory with a length of 2,050 metres opened in 2002, operated by Globavia, a joint venture between Spanish companies FCC and Caja Madrid.
That civil work was developed along a mountainous section approximately 2,860 metres long situated between that neighbourhood and the famed resort of Soldeu.(I wrote a post about that other destination of Andorra in the case you want to know more).
From that place if you are interested there are Bus services from and to the airports of Toulouse-Blagnac and Barcelona-El Prat run twice per day with ski and snowboards which can be transported aboard of the bus.
Including there was another movement created by some French residents called Front Envaliran de Libération who desired an incorporation of that settlement to France.
Pas de la Casa which translated means the Pass of the House, a denomination taken from a small old house inhabited by local shepherds erected in that area.
The Princes of Andorra gave the resort that name in honour of something of very representative and scenic but the former name was originally Pas del Bac meaning Pass of the Mountain.
That captivating neighbourhood is bathed by the river Ariège which source born in the nearest Estany de Fontnegra, a Catalan lake situated in the comarca of the Alta Cerdanya continuing its course crossing that site until the French territory embracing the Garonne river and it is the only point of Andorra where water drains into the Atlantic.
That district of Encamp has its own Parish Church, the Esglesia de Sant Pere dedicated to St.Peter and one of its main attractions is undoubtedly the Port d´Envalira, the highest pass of Andorra located at 2,408 metres of altitude.
Along it was developed a tunnel totally established in Andorran territory with a length of 2,050 metres opened in 2002, operated by Globavia, a joint venture between Spanish companies FCC and Caja Madrid.
That civil work was developed along a mountainous section approximately 2,860 metres long situated between that neighbourhood and the famed resort of Soldeu.(I wrote a post about that other destination of Andorra in the case you want to know more).
From that place if you are interested there are Bus services from and to the airports of Toulouse-Blagnac and Barcelona-El Prat run twice per day with ski and snowboards which can be transported aboard of the bus.
One of the superb highlights of Encamp well known all around the world is undoubtedly its long cable car called Funicamp which with its 6,2 kilometres is one of the longer in Europe.
Established in 1999 by the notorious Austrian-Swiss Group Doppelmayr-Garaventa, a prestigious company with its main headquarters located in Wolfurt, Austria and Rothkreuz ,Switzerland specialist in gondolas and cable cars built all around the world.
That famed enterprise is as great specialist to install those kinds of stunning systems in prestigious Ski Resorts and apart that of Andorra it also installed others as in the prestigious Kitzbühel, Austria (I wrote a post in the case you are interested) and Crystal Mountains in the State of Washington, U.S.A.
Doppelmayr-Garaventa also made other several engineer masterpieces of extreme relevance executed in Toronto, Birmingham, Las Vegas Koblenz, Israel and including in exotic places as Jamaica and Papua New Guinea.
Established in 1999 by the notorious Austrian-Swiss Group Doppelmayr-Garaventa, a prestigious company with its main headquarters located in Wolfurt, Austria and Rothkreuz ,Switzerland specialist in gondolas and cable cars built all around the world.
That famed enterprise is as great specialist to install those kinds of stunning systems in prestigious Ski Resorts and apart that of Andorra it also installed others as in the prestigious Kitzbühel, Austria (I wrote a post in the case you are interested) and Crystal Mountains in the State of Washington, U.S.A.
Doppelmayr-Garaventa also made other several engineer masterpieces of extreme relevance executed in Toronto, Birmingham, Las Vegas Koblenz, Israel and including in exotic places as Jamaica and Papua New Guinea.
Funicamp cable car runs at a speed of 25-26 km/h, a great detail considering the altitude of the resort linking Encamp to de Ski slopes of Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig crossing the valley of Valls del Cortals reaching the Coll d´Enradort making it definitely a diamond of technology and an ingenious masterpiece in terms of efficiency.
The pistes of Encamp are excellent, some of them pretty challenging very suitable for splendid slaloms.
The major part of the spaces are green tracks with a total of 29, very easy slopes with a low coefficient of difficulty.
There are in addition 23 blue tracks very appropriate for beginners with some interesting undulated sections but not extremely steep and they are pretty straight.
The red slopes for intermediate skiers are 11, they have an excellent design, pretty technic with a varied development with ample curves, some sharp bends in in some points having pretty steep straights.They could be considered a great stage for a good skier with a good training, very good for further improvements in terms coordination using them day by day before to move on Black pistes.
The black tracks are located in the area of Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig in which the masters and experienced skiers can enjoy 23 pistes and much more in the same environment there are other 37 classified as Red slopes.
Along them the coefficients of difficulty is pretty high, the descents have a notable percentage in terms of gradient, very steep stretches with an alternation of sharp bends, some wide curves leading to points very challenging ideal for excellent Super G but also good for downhills.
The excellent conditions with an outstanding maintenance next to an efficient snow guns system covering all the Grandvalira network is greatly appreciated by a multitude of people who find the status of the pistes very good returning there without hesitations.
The pistes of Encamp are excellent, some of them pretty challenging very suitable for splendid slaloms.
The major part of the spaces are green tracks with a total of 29, very easy slopes with a low coefficient of difficulty.
There are in addition 23 blue tracks very appropriate for beginners with some interesting undulated sections but not extremely steep and they are pretty straight.
The red slopes for intermediate skiers are 11, they have an excellent design, pretty technic with a varied development with ample curves, some sharp bends in in some points having pretty steep straights.They could be considered a great stage for a good skier with a good training, very good for further improvements in terms coordination using them day by day before to move on Black pistes.
The black tracks are located in the area of Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig in which the masters and experienced skiers can enjoy 23 pistes and much more in the same environment there are other 37 classified as Red slopes.
Along them the coefficients of difficulty is pretty high, the descents have a notable percentage in terms of gradient, very steep stretches with an alternation of sharp bends, some wide curves leading to points very challenging ideal for excellent Super G but also good for downhills.
The excellent conditions with an outstanding maintenance next to an efficient snow guns system covering all the Grandvalira network is greatly appreciated by a multitude of people who find the status of the pistes very good returning there without hesitations.
Encamp has always lived before the advent of skiing and winter Sports a rural life with agriculture and farms that for long time have been the main resources of that land.
One of the emblematic symbols linked to those activities is the Moli del Guillen, a historic mill of Andorra which with its work transformed the harvest into flour then sold in several markets including those of the nearest Iberian Peninsula.
One of the emblematic symbols linked to those activities is the Moli del Guillen, a historic mill of Andorra which with its work transformed the harvest into flour then sold in several markets including those of the nearest Iberian Peninsula.
The resort and the entire Andorra are very famous for shopping with the great chance to enjoy that activity buying luxury, trendy items purchasing articles at excellent prices.
About other outdoor activities, Andorra is a Mecca to practise rowing, rafting on some stupendous sections of the Valira d' Orient river but also trekking in all its valleys from Ordino to Soldeu, from Les Escaldes to Canillo or along the Grand Grau.
For mountain bike and cycling on road lovers there is the brilliant chance to enjoy a multitude of beautiful mixed, dirt paths in all those mentioned places with stunning Pyrenees climbs and every corner of the Principality is an Eden for those sports.
About other outdoor activities, Andorra is a Mecca to practise rowing, rafting on some stupendous sections of the Valira d' Orient river but also trekking in all its valleys from Ordino to Soldeu, from Les Escaldes to Canillo or along the Grand Grau.
For mountain bike and cycling on road lovers there is the brilliant chance to enjoy a multitude of beautiful mixed, dirt paths in all those mentioned places with stunning Pyrenees climbs and every corner of the Principality is an Eden for those sports.
The Hotels and the several incoming establishments present in the territory offer an great service, the hospitality industry provides many facilities, comfortable accommodations, Spa services.
I added some links below with some of them and others about the local territory if you have ideas of a brilliant vacation in that resort, if you need more information, a pleasure to help you.
Gastronomy in Andorra is a great mix of a marked, local traditional identity combined with French and Catalan influences.
You can taste excellent fish from the rivers as the excellent trota, trout cooked in many styles and there is an ample variety of tastefully soups next to a large range of local sausages and different meat casseroles.
I added some links below with some of them and others about the local territory if you have ideas of a brilliant vacation in that resort, if you need more information, a pleasure to help you.
Gastronomy in Andorra is a great mix of a marked, local traditional identity combined with French and Catalan influences.
You can taste excellent fish from the rivers as the excellent trota, trout cooked in many styles and there is an ample variety of tastefully soups next to a large range of local sausages and different meat casseroles.
The Civet de Jabali is one of the culinary highlights consisting in a wild boar meat stew prepared with spices, vegetables, flavoured by a good quantity of fine wine.
Other typical specialities are derived from the sublime quality of the local corder, tender lamb, very traditional is a plate called Costelles a Losa consisting in lamb ribs seasoned with a gravy sauce, also very popular is the Cabrito, a famed delicious speciality consisting in baked goat.
Other renowned dishes are very similar to those of the nearest Catalonia as the famed Escudella, a kind of soup of vegetables or the popular Pan Tumaca, similar to an Italian Bruschetta consisting in white bread adding a good quantity of tomato, salt, olive oil and garlic.
Of strong French influence are the renowned Foie Gras and Escargots, plates very famed on the other side of the Pyrenees.
You can find in that land some good wines, as the red of Casa Auvinya, the first producer of red wines in the country, very appreciated are Escol, and Torb of Borda Sabate 1944 the wineries pioneer in that small State and Cim del Cal of Casa Beal, the first wine produces on the Andorran soil.
Other typical specialities are derived from the sublime quality of the local corder, tender lamb, very traditional is a plate called Costelles a Losa consisting in lamb ribs seasoned with a gravy sauce, also very popular is the Cabrito, a famed delicious speciality consisting in baked goat.
Other renowned dishes are very similar to those of the nearest Catalonia as the famed Escudella, a kind of soup of vegetables or the popular Pan Tumaca, similar to an Italian Bruschetta consisting in white bread adding a good quantity of tomato, salt, olive oil and garlic.
Of strong French influence are the renowned Foie Gras and Escargots, plates very famed on the other side of the Pyrenees.
You can find in that land some good wines, as the red of Casa Auvinya, the first producer of red wines in the country, very appreciated are Escol, and Torb of Borda Sabate 1944 the wineries pioneer in that small State and Cim del Cal of Casa Beal, the first wine produces on the Andorran soil.
Encamp is a great destination,in winter for skiing but not only in that season. That stupendous Pyrenean jewel is a place where every visitor can enjoy all year a beautiful town with a wide variety of things to do discovering in many corners of its boundaries many marvellous things, a place of the stunning Principality called Andorra you will probably remember for ever.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accommodations in Encamp
Hotel Guillem
Hotel Mila
Hotel Univers
Aparthotel Shusski Encamp
Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Coray
Useful Links
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Thanks a lot to read and note.