Our Lady of Meritxell, Minor basilica in Canillo, Andorra
Our Lady of Meritxell is a modern basilica in Canillo featuring glass doors, stone walls, and a distinctive bell tower designed by architect Ricardo Bofill. The structure blends contemporary design with religious function and defines the valley's landscape.
A fire destroyed the original Romanesque chapel in 1972. The new basilica was then built and inaugurated in 1976 to preserve Andorra's religious continuity.
The sanctuary is home to Andorra's patron saint, and the space features artworks representing the spiritual connection of each parish community. Visitors can experience how this place serves as a gathering point for local religious life and devotion.
The site is open to visitors daily, with guided tours offered during summer months. Plan enough time to explore the exhibition about the sanctuary's history.
A cloister of mirrors displays models of Romanesque churches from across Andorra, offering insight into the region's architectural traditions. The collection also houses around 1,600 Bibles in different languages from around the world.
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