in Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Casa de la Vall
Andorra's historic parliament building dating from 1580, originally built as a noble family home. This iconic stone structure housed the General Council for over 400 years and now serves as a museum showcasing Andorra's unique political history and democratic traditions.
Casa de la Vall (House of the Valley) is one of Andorra's most historically significant buildings, a fortified stone manor house in the old quarter of Andorra la Vella that served as the country's parliament for over four centuries. Constructed in 1580 for the Busquets family, the building passed into public ownership in the 17th century and housed the General Council — Andorra's legislative assembly — until 2011, when the parliament relocated to a purpose-built facility. The building now operates as a heritage museum.
The exterior presents the solid, practical aesthetic of 16th-century Andorran domestic architecture: thick granite walls, small arched windows, a corner tower, and a chapel of Sant Ermengol integrated into the main structure. Inside, the tour moves through several rooms that retain much of their original furniture, décor, and institutional character. The council chamber where laws were debated for centuries contains the original wooden benches used by councillors, painted coats of arms on the walls, and a central table beneath a painted ceiling.
The most celebrated feature of the building is the Armari de les set claus — the Cabinet of Seven Keys — a heavy wooden chest secured with seven separate locks, one held by the representative of each of Andorra's seven parishes. Documents of constitutional importance were stored inside and could only be accessed when all seven parishes were simultaneously represented. The chest remains in situ and is the focal point of every guided tour.
Visits are by guided tour only, available in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English. Tours depart at fixed intervals from Tuesday to Saturday; independent entry is not permitted. Advance reservation is recommended during summer, when tour slots fill quickly. The tour lasts approximately one hour and covers the council chamber, kitchen, the Chapel of Sant Ermengol, and the basement armoury.
The building occupies the historic Barri Antic neighbourhood, a short walk uphill from the main commercial street of Andorra la Vella. Combining a visit with a walk through the surrounding medieval lanes and a stop at the nearby Sant Esteve church makes for a satisfying half-day cultural itinerary.
Hours: Guided tours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-13:00, 15:00-18:00
Best for: history, culture, architecture
Location
Carrer de la Vall, AD500 Andorra la Vella
42.5075, 1.5218 — View on map
Highlights
- 16th-century parliament building that housed the General Council from the 17th century to 2011
- The Cabinet of Seven Keys — a chest with seven separate locks, one for each Andorran parish
- Original council chamber with painted coats of arms, period furniture, and painted ceiling
- Integrated Chapel of Sant Ermengol with medieval religious artworks
- Located in the Barri Antic — Andorra la Vella's historic old quarter
Tips
- Tours are guided only - reserve in advance via tourism office
- Tours available in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English
- The 'Cabinet of Seven Keys' room is particularly fascinating
- Located in the old quarter, combine with exploring historic Andorra la Vella
FAQ
How long does a visit to Casa de la Vall take?
The guided tour lasts approximately one hour and covers the council chamber, kitchen, chapel, and basement armoury with explanations at each room. The surrounding Barri Antic neighbourhood adds another 20 to 30 minutes if explored on foot.
Do visitors need to book in advance?
Advance reservation is strongly recommended, particularly from June to August when tour slots fill quickly. Bookings can be made through the Andorra tourism office or by contacting the site directly. Walk-in entry is sometimes possible outside peak season.
Is Casa de la Vall accessible for visitors with mobility limitations?
The building's floors are connected by stone stairs with no lift provision. Visitors who use wheelchairs or have difficulty with stairs cannot access the upper rooms, which contain the main council chamber and the Cabinet of Seven Keys. The courtyard and ground floor entrance are reachable from street level.
Accessibility
The building's multiple floors are connected by stone stairs with no lift. Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility limitations cannot access the upper rooms containing the main council chamber and cabinet exhibits. The courtyard and ground floor entrance are accessible from the street.
When to visit
Weekday morning tour slots in spring and autumn attract the fewest visitors and offer the most attentive guided experience. The summer season from July to August sees the highest demand; booking several days in advance is advisable during this period.