2025: Landmark Year for Andorran Culture Amid Losses

### 2025: A Landmark Year for Andorran Culture Amid Losses

This year has brought major advances in Andorra's cultural heritage, including the confirmed location of the legendary medieval castle of Bragafolls, the reopening of Casa de la Vall after extensive renovations, the recovery of a rare autograph manuscript, and the emergence of several promising new literary voices.

Archaeologists working on behalf of the Heritage department at Roc de l'Àliga in Sant Julià de Lòria uncovered clear evidence of a defensive structure, complete with walls and a moat. Pottery and other finds point to an early medieval origin, with the site likely collapsing in a single event—possibly the siege around 990 AD when locals confronted the count's vicar, Sendred, expelled his garrison, and razed the fortress. This episode is seen as a foundational moment in Andorran identity, halting feudal expansion from across the Riu Runer and shaping the path to the Pariatges centuries later.

In contrast, excavations at the Cubil dolmen near the Portella de Joan Antoni failed to yield human remains or grave goods from its estimated 2300-2000 BC period, likely due to later looting. The site nonetheless confirms Andorra's first documented megalithic structure, with a smaller companion dolmen nearby awaiting further study.

Casa de la Vall, Andorra's historic government seat, reopened ten days ago following interior work that began in April. The refurbishment reversed many 1962 alterations, restoring frescoes, a Crucifixion triptych, and Saint Ermengol artwork, while adding a 1866 tricolour flag gifted by Napoleon III, the urn of the six keys, and an accessibility lift. The main door now faces Carrer de la Vall as originally intended, though the chapel was removed.

The Consell General also acquired and restored a 1797 Manual Digest by Antoni Puig—previously thought lost—donated by Jordi Alcobé. The volume, covering acts from 1743-1864 alongside other Politar manuals, has been digitized and analyzed by historian Francesc Rodríguez.

These milestones occurred against notable losses. Artist Trudy Kunkeler, twice winner of Arts Andorra awards and linked to Galeria Riberaygua, died on 18 March. Andreu Cardona, who revived the falles tradition in 1987 with Isidre Armengol and Pere Canturri, passed away on 11 April. Literary executor Jean Claude Chevalier, who preserved Isabelle Sandy's archives including manuscripts of *Els homes d'aram*, *Les nits andorranes*, and *La nova Andorra*, died on 3 August; he authored *Guerra, terra i estrelles*, recreating the 1943 filming of *Les hommes d'airain* in Andorra.

The Culture Ministry quietly discontinued the Pirene Journalism Prize near its 30th edition, amid criticism of underused literary awards like Fiter i Rossell. Veteran publisher Límits closed after 40 years, leaving behind titles such as Izzo's Marseille trilogy and recent works by Manel Gibert and Noemí Rodríguez.

Literary output flourished, with debuts including Marc Cortés (*Colls d'ampolla*), Eva Arasa (*L'ànima separada del cos*), Txema Díaz-Torrent (*Xarnego*), Laura Tomàs (*Matermorfosi*), and poet Mercè Aznar (*Yuriko*). Nil Forcada won the 2024 Fiter i Rossell for *Tolls*. Established authors released works like Albert Villaró's pocket re-edition of *L'any dels francs* and *Cadí. Una biografia*, Joan Peruga's *Sentinella* and graphic novel *El museu de l'elefant*, Teresa Colom's *Tot va passar alhora*, Greg Coonen's thriller *The Wolff Within*, Albert Ginestà's award-winning *Atles d'ombres*, and Ludmilla Lacueva's *Vots de sang*. Publishers like Trotalibros expanded with rediscovered classics and local titles, alongside Anem, Medusa, and Marinada.