Traditions of the Val d’Aran: the six-key cupboard

The Val d’Aran preserves many traditions, stories, and elements unknown to most people, yet they captivate and surprise in equal measure when discovered. On this occasion, we want to talk about the six-key cupboard or “cupboard of privileges.” Have you ever heard of it? Its history will fascinate you.

Historical background of the six-key cupboard

The location of the Val d’Aran in the Pyrenees is very unique. It is situated among mountains that often exceed 2000 meters in altitude. An impassable wall that protected the area for centuries, but also limited its access to the outside world.

In the year 1313, the Val d’Aran was granted permission to create its own institutions and maintain its privileges. This was done through a charter signed by King James II of Aragon called “Era Querimònia.” It also established the basic rules of coexistence in the territory.

That document was kept in what is known as the six-key cupboard, also referred to in some texts as the cupboard of privileges. Its name comes from the six locks it has.

Each of these six keys is held by one of the territorial divisions formed between the late 15th and early 16th centuries, which still exist today. These are the so-called Terçons: Pujòlo, Castièro, Lairissa, Marcatosa, Quate Lòcs, and Arties and Garós.

The meaning of the six-key cupboard

The six-key cupboard stores both reports and ceremonial garments used by members of the Conselh, the highest authority of the Val d’Aran. It is remarkable that this institution survived the Decree of Nueva Planta by Philip V, which abolished many Catalan privileges. It did not disappear until 1834, when Regent Maria Cristina dissolved it.

Later, the Spanish Constitution of 1978 recognized the region’s distinct identity. This allowed the Conselh Generau to be re-established in 1990, which together with the Síndic of Aran forms the most important governing institution of the area.

Returning to the “Era Querimònia,” it granted land in the Val d’Aran to all its inhabitants, prohibiting private ownership of those lands. Everything belongs equally to everyone.

This is the true meaning of the six-key cupboard: a simple piece of furniture that symbolizes the unity of all inhabitants. Only through the agreement of the six regions can the authority of the people be exercised.

Can the six-key cupboard be seen today?

The answer is yes. It is located in the Ethnographic Museum of the Val d’Aran, which houses over 2,500 pieces that tell the history of the region. It is an 18th-century wooden cupboard from the parish of Sant Miquèu de Vielha. It is known to be authentic because it contained the “Era Querimònia” mentioned earlier. It is remarkably well preserved.

In short, the six-key cupboard is one of the most emblematic cultural elements of the Val d’Aran. An object that can be visited in the Ethnographic Museum and whose story deserves to be known and shared. Alma de Nieve tourist apartments are a recommended accommodation option to immerse yourself in this and many other fascinating stories of the region. What are you waiting for to discover this iconic destination?