Escaldes-Engordany Shields Sant Miquel d’Engolasters Chapel via Urban Plan
Protection zones for the chapel of Sant Miquel d’Engolasters are set in Escaldes-Engordany's POUP to block new buildings obscuring it, despite private land challenges. The parish council seeks broader heritage safeguards.
Key Points
- Authorities define protection zones around the chapel to preserve landscape and views.
- Announcement made by Cònsol Major Rosa Gili at festival attended by over 200 people.
- Measures open for neighbor feedback before integration into POUP review.
- Festival featured sardanes, mass, performances, and fideuà for 300, now an official holiday.
**Escaldes-Engordany authorities have confirmed that the chapel of Sant Miquel d’Engolasters and its surroundings will receive protection under the new parish urban planning scheme (POUP).**
Cònsol Major Rosa Gili made the announcement during the Sant Miquel d’Engolasters festival, which drew over 200 attendees. She stated that the protection zones around the monument are already defined, with the goal of safeguarding the landscape and residents' quality of life by preventing future buildings from obscuring the chapel.
Gili noted the challenges posed by surrounding private land, where owners hold development rights. Even so, she said the parish council has collaborated closely with the government and the culture ministry to finalise these zones. The measures, now exposed to neighbours for feedback, will integrate into the ongoing POUP review and take effect soon upon its approval. She added that the council has urged the government to extend similar protections to all local heritage sites, stressing the need for joint efforts to maintain the best possible landscape.
Councillor for Citizenship Ramon Tena echoed concerns about urban growth around the site, including nearby areas like Clot d’Emprivat, but pointed out the limits of public action on private property. He emphasised that the planning update aims to offer maximum protection within legal bounds.
The festival, marking its second year as an official parish holiday following public demand, featured expanded activities organised by the council and Unió Pro-Turisme d’Escaldes-Engordany. Events began Thursday evening and ran through Saturday, peaking Friday with traditional sardanes dancing, mass, a performance by Esbart Santa Anna, and a popular fideuà serving 300 portions plus 30 rice options for coeliacs. Tena praised the strong turnout and said planning is underway for an even larger event next year, when the date falls on a Saturday, with more offerings at the chapel and Engolasters lake. The programme closed Saturday with a pétanque tournament at Prat del Roure courts.
Related Articles
Other articles from Catalan-language sources about the same story:
- Diari d'Andorra•
El POUP protegirà els entorns de la capella de Sant Miquel d’Engolasters
- Altaveu•
Escaldes vol fer créixer la festa de Sant Miquel d'Engolasters amb més activitats l'any vinent
- Altaveu•
L'entorn de Sant Miquel d'Engolasters quedarà blindat "en breu"
- El Periòdic•
El POUP d’Escaldes protegirà l’entorn de Sant Miquel d’Engolasters “per evitar que la capella quedi tapada per edificis”
- Diari d'Andorra•
La capella de Sant Miquel d’Engolasters i l’entorn quedaran protegits en el nou POUP