The historic complex of Meritxell consists of two buildings: the old Sanctuary and the new one, both declared heritage of cultural interest.
In 1972, during the night of September 9 and a few hours after the celebration of the feast in honor of the Virgin of Meritxell, a fire destroyed the sanctuary.
The only part that remained standing was a section of the church’s façade and a few other walls.
Construction of the new building was entrusted to the architect Ricardo Bofill and the project had to convey grandeur, monumentality and religious strength.
The current building was inaugurated in 1976.
Former sanctuary has been rehabilitated and transformed into an exhibition hall hosting the permanent exhibition on the history and cult of Meritxell, the Patron Saint of Andorra.
The religious site of Meritxell is a highly symbolic and important place for the inhabitants of the Principality of Andorra.
In fact, it houses the image of the Virgin of Meritxell, patron saint of the town. It is a reproduction based on the original Romanesque work, destroyed in the fire in 1972.
Pope Francis has granted the Shrine the title of Minor Basilica, in honor of its unique liturgical life, its religious work, its history and its cultural activity.
