Mossèn Ramon Reflects on Santuari de Meritxell's Fiery Rebirth at 50

Mossèn Ramon, a longtime figure at the Santuari de Meritxell, has reflected on the site's origins amid its 50th anniversary celebrations this year. He emphasises its core qualities of universality and closeness, insisting that "the sanctuary is the people—saints or sinners—who strive for virtues and values."

The modern sanctuary's story began on the night of 8 September 1972, when fire destroyed the original structure. Young people from Canillo, returning from National Day festivities, alerted mossèn Ramon around 11pm that "Meritxell is burning." He recalls the profound sense of helplessness that followed, marking the end of one era and the start of another.

Devotees soon began weekly meetings at the Carme Mas workshop to plan a replacement. These gatherings, which mossèn Ramon describes as spiritually enriching, were guided by the motto "From the smoke, we will make light." They envisioned a new building in their minds, with architect friend Raduan creating a model inspired by the church of St. Pere Màrtir in Escaldes. However, local authorities at Ca la Vall, led by Sindic Julià Reig alongside figures like Marc Vila and Antoni Morell, rejected it. They prioritised a design that would evolve into a major tourist draw—a vision that initially pained mossèn Ramon but which he now endorses. "Today, I give them full credit," he says. "Tourism and pilgrimage complement each other. Some enter as tourists and leave as pilgrims."

Ricardo Bofill was selected as architect, though mossèn Ramon cannot recall who proposed him. Bofill urged him to simply observe the design rather than question it, explaining its inspiration from 44 Romanesque churches across Andorra to forge a 20th-century Romanesque style. Approval came in 1972, with the first stone laid on 8 September 1974 by Reig, blessed by Bishop and Co-Prince Joan Martí.

The sanctuary was dedicated two years later, on 8 September 1976, in a ceremony attended by Bishop Joan Martí and the wife of French Co-Prince Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. The bold project drew mixed reactions at the time. Canillo councillors opposed the metal roof due to harsh mountain weather, a concern mossèn Ramon says time has vindicated. Authorities also limited it to the church and two cloisters, prompting Bofill to abandon plans for a bridge and staircase linking to the Roc de la Salve. Culture Minister Ramon Serra had earlier rebuilt the old sanctuary.

Rich in symbolism and nods to other faiths, the site welcomed 248,723 visitors in 2025. It remains open daily, offering a welcoming smile and the silence seekers desire.