It is better to start your trip to a small country located between France and Spain in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains by completely changing your idea of a vacation in Europe. Even though the Principality of Andorra is a European state, locals hardly speak English. The landscapes of the Pyrenees are more beautiful than those of the Alps. Besides, the historical, cultural, and religious monuments are unlike any other European ones. All the buildings of the Principality of Andorra have their unique appearance since they are made from the local gray stone and have a certain masonry. One of the brightest examples is also one of the best-preserved churches, the Church of San Miquel de la Mosquera. By the way, no one still knows its exact age.
This Catholic shrine is situated in the small town of El Pas de la Casa. Although the population of the town is no more than 3,000 people, it has its football team. As this place is famous all over the world as a ski resort, few people know that there are other attractions besides the pistes and snow-white slopes. However, the stone Church of San Miquel de la Mosquera is definitely worth a visit, at least because its altarpiece dates back to the 16th century.
The simple rectangular stone structure had been half-hidden in the rock when a team of archaeologists discovered and excavated it. Although the exact date of construction is still unknown, its main structure is similar to the rural churches of the principality dating back to the 15th-16th centuries. Besides, the restoration of the main facade in the 19th century made it possible to preserve this magnificent example of sacred architecture.
The interior also underwent significant changes in the 19th century. This is evidenced by the Romanesque frescoes dating from about 1860.
The hallmark of the church is the 16th-century altar and the altarpiece of St. Michael the Archangel, after whom the main Catholic shrine of El Pas de la Casa is named.