Two Lost Public Artworks Rediscovered Under Andorra Viaduct

Two previously unknown public artworks have been rediscovered beneath the Doctor Vilanova viaducte in Andorra, including a massive mosaic mural by Pilar Riberaygua and a Corten steel serpent sculpture by Catalan artist Josep Grau-Garriga.

The finds came to light last week through the efforts of Josep Maria Ubach, an expert on Andorran sculpture. Acting on an oral tip, Ubach persisted for months, securing official permission to access the site. There, under the structure, he uncovered the large-scale mosaic—measuring three metres wide by ten metres long—created by Riberaygua (1953-2002). This piece joins her sole previously known public work in Andorra, the restored sculpture *Gol*, which honours the 1986 International Gathering of FC Barcelona Supporters' Clubs. *Gol* had been recovered last November from a Sindicatura warehouse, restored by Mireia García, and placed in the garden of the Joan Samarra stadium.

The second discovery is a mythological-inspired figure in Corten steel, attached to one of the viaducte's supporting pillars. Ubach attributes it to Grau-Garriga (1929-2011), likely created between 1982 and 1985 amid the artist's local exhibitions and ties to architect Josep Puig Torné, who designed a nearby administrative building. Both works appear designed to enhance the viaducte's underbelly, a space once visible from the building's lower floors but now obscured by air conditioning units.

The artworks had faded from collective memory, overlooked even during recent viaducte renovations that briefly exposed the pillars. Ubach expressed delight at confirming their existence, calling them treasures meant for that specific, if unconventional, location. He urges the Comú and government to assess their condition, ensure preservation, and ideally improve public access, rather than relocating them.

A comprehensive catalogue of nearly 200 public sculptures in Andorra's streets and squares—highlighting such unusual stories—is expected later this year.