The mountains of Andorra have iron hearts. The forges which made efficient use of the the mineral obtained from the deposits, the charcoal from the woods and the water from the rivers were the proto-industries responsible for exploiting this wealth. For centuries, the country's economy was dependent on the extraction of ore, its processing, its marketing and all the other activities this involved (charcoal-burners, waggoners, etc.). Conditions in Andorra were ideal for the development of the technological principles of the Catalan forge, and the country's forges produced iron in huge quantities, with the added advantage of a reputation for excellent quality.
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A few years ago, a Route was set up to study, restore and make known this legacy; it covers every stage of the production of iron from its extraction from the mines to the end uses of the material obtained.
This Route has a cross-border remit, and will soon be linking up with the heritage initiatives of neighbouring regions, with which the iron industry has created obvious links. The case of Arieja, where the majority of the forgers came from, is particularly significant; here several old installations can be visited.
The Iron Route is an initiative designed to bring both Andorrans and visitors closer to this significant chapter of the country's history, a fascinating look at the pre-industrial past of the Pyrenees.
All, or most of, the features of the Iron Route can be seen on a guided tour.
Cultural Itineraries:
1 - Farga Rossell
2 - Route from Arans to Llorts
3 - Areny-Plandolit House Museum
4 - Sant Martí de la Cortinada