Andorra Launches 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibit at Santuari de Meritxell

The Andorran government has launched the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Santuari de Meritxell with the opening of a photographic exhibition titled *Meritxell reneix. 50 anys sota la mirada d'un poble*. Installed in the sanctuary's cloister, the display features 50 images marking five decades since the temple's construction and will remain open to the public until the end of the year.

Designed by Catalan architect Ricard Bofill in the 1970s, the sanctuary was inaugurated on 8 September 1976—before construction fully finished—to coincide with the feast day of Andorra's patron saint, Our Lady of Meritxell. It rose from the ashes of the original church, destroyed by fire on 8 September 1972, with the first stone laid exactly two years later on 9 September 1974.

The exhibition draws mainly from the Arxiu Nacional, the government's photographic archive, and AINA collections. It shifts focus from the building's brutalist architecture to its role as a communal space, capturing liturgical events, popular festivals, institutional gatherings, and personal milestones. Highlights include early masses in the crypt amid ongoing work, souvenir sales, and everyday scenes like a cake topped with Andorra's coat of arms.

Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell opened the show, describing the sanctuary as part of the country's "sentimental biography" and many individuals'. She noted how such sites evolve beyond their initial purpose into shared spaces of memory and community. The event drew mossèn Ramon of Canillo, Canillo's senior consul Jordi Alcobé, and other officials.

Interactive elements set a contemporary tone: visitors can record voice messages in the guestbook, pose with a photo booth featuring the Virgin, and upload images to museus.ad for virtual inclusion.

Further events will follow, including talks on the architecture, dance and performing arts premieres by local companies, and activities under the Canya als museus and Nits d’Estiu programmes. On 7 and 8 September, Alcobé will play the organ during masses at 7pm and 9pm. Organisers aim to revitalise the area while preserving Meritxell's legacy as one of Andorra's most visited sites, blending faith, identity, and culture with its surroundings. The main image is a reproduction of the Virgin by Sergi Mas, based on photos of the Romanesque original.