Casa de la Vall Reopens After Renovation as Andorra's Heritage Gem

The Casa de la Vall, Andorra's historic former seat of the General Council, opened to the public on Tuesday after major renovations launched in April, with visitors praising the updated look while work continues on upper levels.

Authorities previewed the restored building on Monday during the traditional Sant Tomàs session, which marked the end of the political year and hosted the hemicycle's first gathering since the upgrades. General Syndic Carles Ensenyat called it the country's most vital heritage site, now equipped to function as a reserve parliamentary chamber thanks to improved technical systems and acoustics. "We now have two such spaces and can hold a full Council session here," he said.

Architect Enric Dilmé, who oversaw the project, explained that efforts focused on modernising facilities and access while reclaiming the structure's original character using oak and lime plaster. "We removed elements that did not belong," he added. A new lift and ramp provide access for people with disabilities, and the hemicycle's government table now fits the current executive of 12 ministers and the head of government, replacing a makeshift arrangement from the 1980s. Supervisor Eudald Guillamet pointed to aesthetic gains from traditional lime mortars and full safety overhauls.

The presentation drew eight living former general syndics from the 1980s onward—Francesc Cerqueda, Albert Gelabert, Jordi Farràs, Josep Dallerès, Francesc Areny, Joan Gabriel, Vicenç Mateu and Roser Suñé—along with 28 councillors. Group photos outside faced first snow, then rain. Head of Government Xavier Espot, Economy Minister Mònica Bonell and Culture Minister Guillem Casal joined Deputy Syndic Sandra Codina for a brief look at the still-under-construction second floor, while others waited below.

The site remains open to visitors until Constitution Day on 14 March, limited to ground and first floors. Exterior work and a second-floor immersive exhibit on Andorra's institutional history are pending. Early crowds, including about 100 on Tuesday, showed strong interest. Former Escaldes-Engordany Major Consul Lídia Magallón said the walls now feel more authentic without prior stucco, better showcasing the frescoes in a beige tone. Spanish tourists, such as visitors from Madrid and La Rioja, appreciated free guided tours explaining its ongoing political role alongside the modern parliament. A Zaragoza family highlighted the small session hall's historical layout by parishes, and locals like Núria Font planned return visits once all areas open. Ensenyat voiced hopes for UNESCO World Heritage status with other Coprincipality foundation monuments.