The co-princes of Andorra are jointly the heads of state of the Principality of Andorra, a landlocked microstate lying in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Founded in 1278 by means of a treaty between the bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix, this unique diarchical arrangement has persisted through the Middle Ages to the present. Currently, the bishop of Urgell and the president of France serve as Andorra's co-princes, following the transfer of the count of Foix's claims to the Crown of France and, subsequently, to the head of state of the French Republic. Each co-prince appoints a personal representative, the episcopal co-prince by Josep Maria Mauri and the French co-prince currently being represented by Patrick Strzoda.
Image: Mons. Vives (30612833490)
Image: Emmanuel Macron 2023 (cropped)
Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra, is a sovereign landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula, in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south. Believed to have been created by Charlemagne, Andorra was ruled by the count of Urgell until 988, when it was transferred to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Urgell. The present principality was formed by a charter in 1278. It is currently headed by two co-princes: the bishop of Urgell in Spain and the president of France. Its capital and largest city is Andorra la Vella.
Roc de les Bruixes prehistorical sanctuary in Canillo (detail)
Charlemagne instructing his son, Louis the Pious
Sant Joan de Caselles church, dating from the 11th century, part of the Andorran Romanesque heritage
Apse fresco of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters church, painted by Mestre de Santa Coloma during the 12th century