Sanctuary of Canòlich

Religious

Privileged location at 1635 meters above sea level and difficult to access. The current building dates from the early 20th century, although there are references that indicate that the Canòlich site already existed in medieval times (1176). Likewise, the Manual Digest de les Valls Neutras de Andorra (1745 - Compilation of the history, government and uses and customs of Andorra, work of the illustrious episcopal veguer, doctor in law and Andorran lawyer, Antoni Fiter i Rossell), cites "Na. Sra. de Canòlich" as one of the three main sanctuaries of the valleys of Andorra, together with Meritxell (Canillo) and San Antoni de la Grella (La Massana). Everything suggests that the current sanctuary of Canòlich was built on the foundations of an old Romanesque building, since the image of the Virgin dates from the 12th century. This Romanesque carving was crowned by the Vatican in 1999 and is currently in the parish church of San Julià and San Germà, in the village of Sant Julià de Lòria. The sanctuary preserves a baroque altarpiece from the 18th century and ceramic murals by the artist Sergi Mas. Every year, on the last Saturday in May, this sanctuary celebrates the well-known "Canòlich meeting": it is undoubtedly the largest religious event, which brings together numerous visitors year after year.