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
- Four new bells added to existing five, with upgraded electromechanical systems and electronic controls for melodies.
- Project by Culture Ministry and Canillo parish cost €63,545, enhancing versatility and heritage value.
- Reopening part of 50th anniversary events, including new Via Crucis path with 14 stations designed by Martin Blanco.
- Sanctuary is Andorra's most-visited monument, with over 25,000 visitors this summer.
The Santuari de Meritxell rang its renovated bell tower for the first time yesterday afternoon, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the new temple's inauguration in 1976.
The Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry completed the project in partnership with Canillo parish council, adding four new bells that integrate with the existing five. The upgrades feature renewed electromechanical systems and electronic controls, allowing automated performance of melodies and chimes tied to major sanctuary celebrations, including the Ave de Meritxell.
Culture Minister Mònica Bonell described the bell tower as now more versatile, reliable and respectful of its heritage, restoring its musical and cultural significance. The total cost reached €63,545, covering engineering design, bell fabrication, new support beams and mechanisation renewals.
Edgar Oto, technician for Museums and Monuments, noted the complexity of harmonising bells from different eras with varying sizes and acoustics into a single instrument, all while preserving the protected structure's sonic balance and historical value.
The reopening formed part of the sanctuary's 50th anniversary events. The previous evening, during Meritxell Day vigils, the General Council had launched an exhibition on the temple's history and its place in Andorran identity.
The same day marked the inauguration of a new Via Crucis along the green path from behind the sanctuary to the Creu de Carlemany in Prats. This 14-station route, created by Museums and Monuments with Canillo council, combines religious, artistic and natural features as a tribute to Mossèn Ramon and the faithful. Andorran artist Martin Blanco designed the illustrations, drawing on Caravaggio and Baroque styles; Mossèn Ramon appears in several, wearing a traditional colony house scarf.
Government data confirm the sanctuary as Andorra's most-visited monument, with over 25,000 visitors this summer alone. Further electrical and lighting enhancements, backed by FEDA, are ongoing and due by November.
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