Within the parish of Les Escaldes i Engordany, Andorra, the Church of Sant Pere Màrtir is a remarkable emblem of religious, cultural, and architectural importance. Acting as the parish church, this neo-Romanesque building reflects great historical and ecclesiastical significance, highlighting the customs and artistic growth of the area. Its origins, design, and complex artistic elements make it a remarkable fusion of Andorran history and modern inventiveness.

Rising above a previous structure, the church was built in 1956. The renowned architect Josep Danès designed the church as a tribute to the wool-making legacy of the town, a vital part of the local economy. The cooperation of the Brotherhood of Wool Makers and Weavers in the construction of the main altarpiece emphasizes the link with the textile sector. Completed in 1981 by Jordi Bonet i Armengol, the later enhancements to the building helped to accentuate its beauty and support its reputation as a paragon of Andorran granite architecture. Using a locally obtained resource, granite, creates a strong link between the building and the natural as well as cultural legacy of the area.

Architectural elements of Sant Pere Màrtir clearly show the neo-Romanesque style, especially the magnificent bell tower housing three bells: Maria, Anna, and Jacoba, consecrated by Bishop Martí in 1981. These bells serve as a link to the spiritual and cultural core of the society as well as a useful object. The exterior of the church displays complex ceramic and sgraffito works by sculptor Sergi Mas, who has created the Beatitudes, creating a strong artistic dialogue between the religious core of the church and the field of modern art.

There are many artistic gems within the church spanning decades. Devoted to the Immaculate Conception, a magnificent work reflecting the pious customs of the area, the main altar has a Baroque altarpiece from the 17th century. Another important feature is the altarpiece from the 16th century from Sant Romà dels Vilars, displayed in a side chapel. These historical objects provide a perceptive view of the artistic and religious legacy of Andorra.

Modern art takes center stage in the chapel. The stained glass windows, created by Joan Vila Grau and realized by the glazier Granell, envelop the interior in a hypnotic interaction of light and color. The mural paintings in the apse, created by Núria Llimona in 1980, enrich the space with dynamic visual narratives. With works like the Pietà in the temple and the Immaculate Conception that covers the façade, sculptor Josep Viladomat profoundly shaped the artistic identity of the church. Outside, his sculpture of a lace-maker (“puntaire”) alludes to another time-honored trade of the region.

Apart from its artistic and architectural aspects, the Church of Sant Pere Màrtir holds a major role in Andorra’s cultural legacy. It has been identified in the Andorran cultural heritage catalog as a cultural value asset since 2003. Situated in the center of Escaldes-Engordany, next to the Town Hall and surrounded by classic Andorran architecture, best shown by the La Tosca and Engordany bridges, the establishment is a focal point for exploring the rich historical and cultural scene of the parish.

One finds the Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre (CAEE) just a short distance from the church at Avinguda Carlemany 30. Along with the Romanesque Art Models Museum and the Exhibition Hall of the Commune of Escaldes-Engordany, this cultural center includes the Viladomat Museum, which displays the artistic contributions of Josep Viladomat. With the Church of Sant Pere Màrtir at its center, these sites together create a coherent narrative of Andorra’s creative and cultural evolution.

Apart from its neo-Romanesque design, the church features many important religious relics. Included in this collection is a 16th-century Gothic carved silver crucifix with inlaid enamels, a monument to the artistic ability and spiritual dedication of its time. Originating in the 16th century, a polychrome wood sculpture showing the Virgin and Child captures the continuing relevance and artistic beauty of Andorran religious art.

Beyond its function as a place of worship, the Church of Sant Pere Màrtir is a dynamic monument that links historical legacy with modern artistic expression, harmonizing traditional Andorran workmanship with creative forms. It is a major monument in Les Escaldes i Engordany because of its architectural grandeur, historical treasures, and contributions to cultural legacy, offering guests an unmatched view of the spiritual and creative core of the Principality of Andorra.