Rossell Forge
A restored Catalan forge at La Massana, showing how Andorran iron was worked.
Updated 3 September 2026
The Rossell forge worked iron at La Massana from 1842 until 1876 using the Catalan process, in which ore is reduced directly to a bloom rather than through a blast furnace, and it survives with its water wheels, bellows, hearth and the great hammer in place. Andorran iron went out through Spain and France, and forges like this one were the country's industry before tobacco and then tourism took over.
Highlights
- The Catalan process - direct reduction of ore to a bloom without a blast furnace.
- The great hammer - the water-driven hammer that worked the bloom.
- The water wheels and bellows - the machinery that drove the hearth and the hammer.
- The industrial history - iron as Andorra's industry before tobacco and tourism.
When to go
Year round; visits are guided and run at set times. It closes on some days. Demonstrations happen on particular dates.
Practical notes
Visits are guided only at set times. The forge is not usually operated; demonstrations are occasional. Guiding is mostly in Catalan and Spanish.
Nearby
La Massana is beside it, and Llorts is up the Ordino valley.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q2912615, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Rossell Forge
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- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
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- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
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