Casa de la Vall, Andorra's old parliament

The Casa de la Vall is a manor house from the late 16th century, that of the Busquets family, built on a rock overlooking the Valira valley, in the Barri Antic of Andorra la Vella. The Consell General, the Andorran parliament, bought it in 1702 and had its seat here until 2011: it brought together the representatives of the parishes and also served as a court.

What you see

On the ground floor, the old Criminal Court, with its wooden furniture. On the first floor, the Hall of Lost Steps, with 16th-century wall paintings, the session chamber, the kitchen, the bell that called the plenary sessions and the cupboard of the seven keys, where the country's documents were kept, among them a mid-18th-century manual on its history, government and customs. The attic on the second floor is now a multipurpose room. The self-guided visit is done with an audio guide. The building is not adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Hours and tickets

From January to May and from October to December it opens Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. In June and September, Tuesday to Friday with the same hours, on Saturday until 20:00 and on Sunday morning. In July and August it stays open until 19:00 on weekdays. It closes on Mondays and on Sunday afternoons, and hours may change for official events.

The ticket costs €5, €2.50 reduced, and under-10s do not pay. The guided tour adds €1.50. The Consell General presents the visit as guided, 30 minutes, with compulsory booking through the central booking office: call +376 839 760 or write to [email protected] before you go.

Nearby

You are in the centre of the Barri Antic: a couple of steps away, the church of Sant Esteve and the historic-centre tourist office, on Carrer de la Vall. If you want to stretch your legs, the Rec del Solà starts above the town.