BUY NOW ON WOPA+

Andorra Spain – The imposing defensive tower of the castle of Sant Romà de les Bons, also called “Torre dels Moros” stands on a rocky promontory located high in the village of Les Bons, at one end of the parish of Encamp.

Of square plan, with more than ten meters of height and with different defensive elements on its walls, like windows in locket and matacanes, it has undergone the passage of time that has deteriorated part of its structure. Fortunately it has been restored for the enjoyment of tourists and travelers who can climb their defensive ramparts through a spiral staircase and enjoy the landscape that extends from the valley of Encamp to the natural passage to the upper valley of the river Valira del Nord , Where the parish of Canillo and Pas de la Casa is located, the only natural step between France and Andorra.

The tower was part of a defensive set of which only the vestiges of the perimeter wall and part of one of the arches of the access bridge remain.

The limited documentation available and the absence of archaeological materials has made dating difficult, although archaeologists date the structure, based on its typology, between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Accompanying the tower is the church of Sant Romà de les Bons, from the 12th century, the most emblematic building of the monumental set of Les Bons, whose restoration was led by historian Pere Canturri between 1978 and 1979.

Of Romanesque style of Lombard, with a single nave topped by a barrel vault and with a semicircular apse facing the east, you can see reproductions of Romanesque paintings from the 12th century, remains of Gothic painting from the 16th century and a late gothic altarpiece. On the outside, a portico from the sixteenth century gives shelter to visitors who reach to climb to the temple.

The monumental complex of Les Bons is a good example of the wealth of the historic, artistic and monumental heritage of the Principality of Andorra.

Issue Date: 21.04.2017
Process: Offset
Size: 28.8 x 40.9 mm
Values: 1.25€