Historical site in Carrer de la Vall, Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Casa de la Vall
Andorra's historic parliament building, originally a noble family mansion, which housed the General Council for over 400 years. The famous 'Cabinet of Seven Keys' required all seven parishes to open simultaneously — a powerful symbol of Andorran democratic tradition.
Casa de la Vall (House of the Valley) stands as Andorra's most significant civic monument, a fortified stone manor that served as the seat of the country's parliament for over four centuries. Built in 1580 by the noble Busquets family as a private residence, the building was acquired by the General Council of Andorra — the Consell General — in 1702, transforming from a family home into the legislative heart of one of Europe's oldest democracies. The building's exterior reflects Catalan Renaissance architecture, with a distinctive crenellated tower that once doubled as a watchtower against incursions through the Pyrenean passes. Inside, the building has been preserved as a living historical document: visitors pass through rooms whose furnishings, carved wooden ceilings, and stone fireplaces remain largely unchanged from the 18th and 19th centuries. The most celebrated feature is the Cabinet of Seven Keys (Armari de les Set Claus), a wooden chest requiring seven separate keys to open — one held by each of Andorra's seven parishes. This chest held the country's official documents and treaties, including the Pareatge of 1278, the founding accord that established Andorra's co-principality under the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix. The symbolism is profound: no single parish could access state documents without the cooperation of all others, a democratic safeguard embedded in wood and iron. The Council Hall (Sala del Consell) where the General Council convened retains its original bench seating, presided over by portraits of successive co-princes and the Andorran coat of arms. The hall's modest scale — the entire chamber seats fewer than thirty — reflects Andorra's intimate scale of governance throughout the medieval and early modern periods. When the General Council relocated to a new purpose-built parliament in 2011, Casa de la Vall transitioned to its current role as a cultural heritage site managed by the Ministry of Culture. Visits are conducted exclusively by guided tour, with multilingual guides available in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English. The site has undergone careful restoration to stabilize the structure while preserving original fabric, including the carved stone coats of arms above the entrance portal and the painted wooden barrel-vault ceiling in the principal reception room. Admission is €7.
Highlights
- Cabinet of Seven Keys (Armari de les Set Claus) — a locked chest requiring one key from each of Andorra's seven parishes, symbol of the country's consensus democracy since 1702
- Council Hall (Sala del Consell) with original 18th-century bench seating where the General Council governed for over 300 years
- Catalan Renaissance stone façade with crenellated tower, dating to 1580, among the oldest standing secular buildings in Andorra
- Multilingual guided tours providing access to rooms closed to independent visitors
Tips
- Visits are by guided tour only — book in advance at the Andorra la Vella tourist office or by contacting the General Council directly, as summer slots fill quickly
- Tours are offered in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English and last approximately 45 minutes
- Admission is €7; children and students may qualify for a reduced rate — confirm at the ticket desk
- Combine with a walk through the barri antic (historic quarter) immediately surrounding the building for a broader sense of medieval Andorra la Vella
FAQ
Are tours available in English?
Yes, guided tours are conducted in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English. It is advisable to reserve in advance at the Andorra la Vella tourist office, as English-language tour slots are limited, especially outside peak season.
How long does a visit take?
Guided tours typically last around 45 minutes. Independent visits are not permitted; the guide controls the pace through all rooms, including the Council Hall and the Cabinet of Seven Keys.
Can families with young children visit?
Yes, though the site is best suited to children aged 8 and older with some interest in history. The interior has no interactive displays; the guide's narrative carries the visit. The Cabinet of Seven Keys tends to capture children's attention.