Moorish Tower

This is an ancient military tower which could have been part of a fortified precinct. It exact date is not known, although it could be from the end of the 16^th century, at the time of raids into Andorra by the Huguenots.

According to people from the olden times, when something was very old and its origins unknown, it was “from the time of the Moors”, hence the name of this tower. The church of Sant Romà is Romanesque and could date from that time, but in 1278 and 1288 the pariatges or treaties were signed, and these prohibited the building of any castles and ordered those existing to be pulled down.

Therefore, the exact date of the tower is not known. It was lived in and a sink for washing dishes survives, draining to the outside; there are defensive loopholes, which were used for shooting; and above, under the roof (now disappeared), there are machicolations for defence of the tower in the event of attack.

The reddish colour on the inside walls is evidence of a fire which damaged the building. One can go up to the top and enjoy a magnificent view of the village, the valley and the way on towards France.