A
cultural landscape is a "joint work of man and nature
which forms a coherent unit thanks to its aesthetic, historical
or cultural values" (Law 9/2003 on the cultural heritage
of Andorra).
The
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley exactly fits the definition.
It is a space which has maintained intact its structures of
organization and management of space since mediaeval times.
Since then there has been no substantial alteration of the
geo-political and territorial model applicable to the space,
which is why it has come down to us as a living witness to
the history of Andorra and the coexistence between the men
of the mountains and an extraordinary natural environment.
The essential interest of the valley is based on the high
density of elements with heritage value (natural or cultural)
which appear concentrated in an excellent state of conservation
and in a relatively small area.
