Santuari de Meritxell Unveils Four New Bells for Ave de Meritxell Melody
The sanctuary in Canillo rang its upgraded campanar for the first time on Meritxell Day, overcoming technical hurdles to harmonize bells. A new artistic Via Crucis path from the sanctuary to Creu de Carlemany was also inaugurated, attracting over 25,000 summer visitors.
Key Points
- New bells integrate with five existing ones, enabling automated Ave de Meritxell and other tunes.
- Upgrades include support beams, electromechanical systems, and electronic controls for €63,545 total.
- Culture Minister Mònica Bonell praises enhanced versatility and heritage respect after three-year project.
- New 14-station Via Crucis path launched with Andorran artist Martin Blanco's artworks.
The Santuari de Meritxell unveiled four new bells in its tower on Meritxell Day, enabling it to play the Ave de Meritxell melody alongside other tunes for the first time.
The project, initiated by the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry in collaboration with Canillo parish council, integrates the new bells with the five existing ones. Upgrades include new support beams, electromechanical renewals and electronic controls for automated ringing during key sanctuary events. Culture Minister Mònica Bonell called the campanar "more versatile, reliable and respectful of the heritage", strengthening its musical and cultural role.
Technical challenges arose from harmonising bells of varying eras, sizes and acoustics within the protected structure, according to Edgar Oto, technician for Museums and Monuments. The full works—covering engineering design, bell fabrication, beams and mechanisation—totalled €63,545.
Bonell described the three-year effort as demanding yet rewarding, noting that prior notes were absent for the culturally vital Ave de Meritxell.
The day also saw the launch of a new Via Crucis along the green path from behind the sanctuary to the Creu de Carlemany in Prats. This 14-station route, developed with Canillo council, blends religious, artistic and natural elements to enhance visits. Each station pairs a Bible verse with artwork by Andorran artist Martin Blanco, drawing on Caravaggio, Baroque influences and other styles. Mossèn Ramon appears in several scenes wearing his traditional colony house scarf, honouring the figure and the thousands of pilgrims who flock to Andorra's most-visited monument. Bonell highlighted over 25,000 visitors this summer alone.
Additional electrical and lighting improvements, in partnership with FEDA, continue and should conclude by November.
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