Auvinyà Unveils a New Space Dedicated to the Legend of Charlemagne

The village of Auvinyà, in the parish of Sant Julià de Lòria, inaugurated a new sculptural installation dedicated to Emperor Charlemagne on Thursday evening. Created at life size, the work depicts his legendary entry into Andorra through the Port of Fontargent, on horseback and escorted by seven Andorrans. The ceremony was presided over by Head of Government Xavier Espot and attended by the French ambassador to Andorra, Jean-Claude Tribolet. The inauguration concluded with a musical performance, followed by refreshments for the guests. Created by master blacksmith Jacobo Franco Asensio, with the assistance of his brother Àlex, the installation is the first equestrian sculptural group of its kind in the Principality. It further expands the artistic and historical route developed over the years throughout Auvinyà’s old village. During the ceremony, Ricard Fiter, the developer and driving force behind Auvinyà, also welcomed the artists’ 90-year-old mother. He noted that she must have felt immense pride and happiness upon seeing the work accomplished by her sons. A Tribute to a Major Figure in Andorran Collective Memory Fiter explained that the project was intended to honor a figure who occupies a special place in Andorra’s collective imagination, regardless of the continuing historical debate over Charlemagne’s actual connection to the country. “Charlemagne is a figure to whom we Andorrans are deeply attached,” Fiter said. “We are pleased to pay this modest but meaningful tribute to him with the first equestrian sculptural group ever created in the country.” According to Fiter, the initiative began as a dream that gradually developed into a shared project with the artists. “It is the result of a dream,” he said. “It was an extremely difficult undertaking, but we have finally succeeded.” Fiter said the new installation reinforces Auvinyà’s position as a destination of not only touristic interest, but also artistic and historical significance. The village is becoming a new landmark on Andorra’s cultural map for both visitors and residents seeking to discover more about the Principality’s history and legends. “We now have nearly 70 wrought-iron sculptures throughout the village, the latest of which represents our great Charlemagne,” he added. Among Auvinyà’s most emblematic works is the White Lady, located at the entrance to the village. Inspired by the legend of a woman who is said to have prevented a Muslim army from entering the country, the figure symbolizes Andorra’s independence. Jacobo Franco Asensio, the artist behind the Charlemagne installation, has worked as a blacksmith for more than 20 years. He explained that his collaboration with Auvinyà began almost by chance, following a meeting with Ricard Fiter. “Mr. Ricard Fiter is the person who started this entire adventure,” Franco recalled. “He is passionate about history and deeply committed to preserving it. He saw me working at my forge in the street and told me that he had a very beautiful project in mind.” Their collaboration initially focused on the production of gates and railings, before gradually expanding to include the wrought-iron sculptures that now decorate Auvinyà’s historic center. The Charlemagne monument required approximately a year and a half of work. Franco described the process as demanding, but also deeply rewarding. “The transformation of iron is something extraordinary,” he said. The sculptor also spoke about the strong emotional dimension of his profession, which was passed down to him by his father. “My father taught me this trade,” he said. “Now that he is no longer here, whenever I close myself inside the workshop, I often think about him and everything he taught me. It is a very personal form of work.” Auvinyà may continue to expand its artistic and historical heritage in the coming years. Fiter and Franco have both mentioned the possibility of creating a new sculptural setting dedicated to one of Andorra’s earliest co-princes. Such a project would extend the historical route initiated with the Charlemagne installation and further establish Auvinyà as a destination dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, traditions and legends of the Principality.The post Auvinyà Unveils a New Space Dedicated to the Legend of Charlemagne first appeared on All PYRENEES.