La Farga Rossell
Centre for interpreting iron in La Massana, housed in a 19th-century forge that explains how iron was produced in the valleys of Andorra.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
La Farga Rossell is one of the best-preserved examples of Pyrenean iron-making. The valleys of Andorra produced iron between the 17th and 19th centuries using the Catalan forge system (farga a la catalana), a variant of the direct reduction process. This forge was promoted by Joaquim de Riba of the Rossell house; it was built between 1842 and 1846 and operated only until 1876.
Restoration of the building began in 1996, as much of its walls had survived. The work was based on written records and archaeology and made it possible to rebuild the machinery, the low furnace, the charcoal store, the workshop and the manager’s house. The interpretation centre opened in 2002 and admitted visitors a year later.
Today the visit explains how iron ore was turned into ingots and how these were then sold in Catalan markets. An immersive show and several audiovisual presentations introduce visitors to the world of iron, and a demonstration shows how the tilt hammer (martinet) worked. The route is part of the Ruta del Ferro (Iron Route).
Highlights
- Reconstructed 19th-century Catalan forge
- Demonstration of how the tilt hammer (martinet) worked
- Immersive show and audiovisual presentations
- Self-guided visit with audio guide in five languages
- Part of the Ruta del Ferro (Iron Route)
Permanent exhibition
- Centre d’interpretació del ferro – A route through the sounds and smells of the work, explaining how iron ore was turned into ingots and sold in Catalan markets.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Govern d’Andorra
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Groups of more than 10 people, partner organisations and societies, foreign students, people over 65 and holders of the Recercat card |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 9 · Free admission for children under 10 |
| Seniors | €2.50People over 65 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50Foreign students; national students enter free of charge |
| Groups (11+ people) | €2.50 per personGroups of more than 10 people |
| Supplement for tilt hammer demonstration (per person) | €1.50 |
Free admission: For all citizens of the Principality: the first and third Saturday of each month and every Wednesday of the year
Free admission for national schools and students, social services, people with disabilities, people registered with the Employment Service, holders of the Carnet Jove, children under 10, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, holders of the Targeta Magna and members of the Club Piolet, and their parents and siblings. The museum is part of the PassMuseu, Andorra’s museum passport.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre is adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 9 |
|---|
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children’s learning corner and school workshops.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus line L6 Ordino–La Cortinada–Arcalís.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop of the museums.
Events & venue rental
The centre is temporarily closed for repairs. Updates are published at museus.ad.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (CA, ES, FR, EN, DE) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visit with audio guide in Catalan, Spanish, French, English and German. Guided tours are recommended with advance booking through the museums’ central reservation service (+376 839 760, reservesmuseus@govern.ad). |
