Andorra la Vella Receives Final Arc Patrimonial Plan for Santa Coloma Heritage

Andorra la Vella's municipal government has received the final version of the Arc Patrimonial project for Santa Coloma, its historic village and main parish gateway. The plan seeks to bolster heritage protection, boost visitor interest, and tackle persistent upkeep issues.

Cònsol Menor Olalla Losada outlined the project after the Santa Coloma festa major mass on Sunday. Now in the council's hands, it heads next to the Junta de Govern, followed by a presentation to local contributors before public rollout, possibly in one to two months. Approved measures will cover immediate upgrades plus a long-term upkeep framework—addressing a major gap in the 2016 Arc Patrimonial initiative, which overlooked future maintenance needs.

Among the proposals are updated signage and walking routes to highlight local treasures, paired with efforts to raise awareness and restrict access to sensitive areas via small guided groups. Losada highlighted ongoing work to resolve public toilet shortages around the Romanesque church and its unique circular bell tower, a concern voiced by priest Anto Pallikunnen at the mass. Visitors currently rely on facilities at the nearby Espai Coloma museum, but officials view these as inadequate for sustained use.

The council is assessing a purpose-built toilet option that aligns with heritage limits. "We need to add a toilet, but without encroaching on paths or views—its placement must suit the space," Losada noted, stressing the need to avoid disrupting routes or sightlines. She valued the priest's comments as useful community input, which she said is not often voiced so openly.

Losada also addressed recent remarks by Andreu Pedra, leader of Andorra's seniors' association, about the casal pairal at Plaça del Poble's restaurant area. She rejected any political slant linked to his Demòcrates ties, pointing to benefits like meal deals and confirming his access to council discussions.