Andorra Awards €372K Contract for Sant Martí Church Restoration

The Andorran government has awarded a contract worth 372,421.86 euros for conservation work and architectural lighting upgrades at the Sant Martí de la Cortinada church, as part of its strategic culture plan through 2030 and a review of Romanesque heritage sites.

The project also supports Andorra's transnational UNESCO World Heritage bid, "Material Witnesses to the Construction of the Pyrenean State: The Coprincipat d’Andorra." Construccions Purroy won the contract based on designs by architect Enric Dilmé. Work will unfold in two phases over 16 weeks, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

Phase one targets the church's exterior and interior. Outside, crews will enhance the perimeter drainage system to cut moisture at the base of the walls. Inside, walls will receive a fresh lime-based paint job, and a crack in one lateral chapel's vault will be repaired. The electrical system will see a full overhaul, including better interior and exterior lighting, while the radiator heating setup gets an update.

Phase two focuses on the roof. Workers will dismantle the current ceiling, install a double waterproof and breathable layer, and add moisture-resistant paneled panels for stronger protection.

Meanwhile, the Cultural Heritage department's team for movable assets conservation is restoring key interior elements, including the main altarpiece, chapel altarpieces, and altars. These will return to the church once construction wraps up.