Ordino > History

History

Ordino is the municipality that has best preserved and respected its natural environment. Standing at an altitude of 1,300 metres, it boasts a uniquely beautiful landscape and has an extension of 85 square kilometres. 33% of the territory of the municipality of Ordino is formed by forests and it has a population of 4,000 inhabitants. Indeed, it forms an outstanding example of the integration of a modern society in the midst of nature, with a territorial division comprising eight townships: Ordino, Sornàs, Segudet, Ansalonga, La Cortinada, Llorts, Arans and El Serrat. In all the towns, the traditions and customs of rural life coexist in harmony with quality tourism attractions conceived for the whole family’s enjoyment.

By order of protocol, Ordino is the third of the seven municipalities that form Andorra. Under the name of Hordinavi, Ordino appears on record for the first time in the 9th century in the deed of consecration of the Cathedral of Urgell.

Historically, the municipality’s economy has been based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The industry revolving around its Catalan forges was strengthened in the 16th century, when the need for charcoal led to an increase in deforestation. The areas which were cleared in this way were used to raise crops. The mine of Llorts, together with those of Sedornet and the Meners de Ransol, supplied the municipality’s forges. Indeed, the iron industry became the foremost economic motor of Ordino and Andorra at large until the middle of the 19th century, when it began to decline. The values of this industry have lived on, however, in a cultural heritage which is highlighted by the Iron Route, a fascinating cross-border itinerary which runs through Andorra as well as the Basque Country, Catalonia and France and which was awarded the Council of Europe’s Honourable Mention in 2004.

Ordino has been the home of some of the most illustrious figures in Andorran history, including Antoni Fiter i Rossell, of the Rossell House, who was the author of the Manual Digest on the customs and practices of Andorra, and Guillem d’Areny-Plandolit, promoter of the New Reform which led to far-reaching changes in the country’s institutions.

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