Stage Notes & History

HISTORY: The Abbey is where the road route and the Route Napoléon merge. The monks of Roncesvalles have welcomed pilgrims since a hospital was founded here early in the 12th c. The collegiate church of the monastery, consecrated in 1219, is a fine example of French Gothic. Museum is free to pilgrims over 65 with credenciales. Reduced rate for others. It contains religious paintings and sculpture. Open in the summer Sat, Sun and festivals 11:00-13:30 and 16:00-18:00. The 14th c. royal pantheon, the former Chapter House, contains the 13th c. tombs of Sancho the Strong and his wife Doña Clemencia of Toulouse. As well as the church and cloister, see also the Capilla de Santiago (13th c. usually locked) and the 12th c, or earlier, Capilla Sancti Spiritus, also known as the Silo de Charlemagne, where monks and villagers are still buried. Roncesvalles is full of echoes of the Song of Roland, the great medieval poem recalling the events of August 778 when Charlemagne’s rearguard was ambushed and Roland blew his horn to summon the Emperor. An ornate pilgrim cross, on the left when leaving the village, is a replica of a lost 14th c. original. Tourist Information Centre.

DIRECTIONS: NOTE: For a pilgrim meal in either restaurant, please book and pay at the albergue or directly at the restaurant before Mass.

HISTORY: Church and Mass - Mass followed by a blessing for pilgrims 20:00 Mon-Fri, 18:00 Sat, 19:00 Sun.

PLAIN: Accommodation: for information on all accommodation available in Roncesvalles see: www.roncesvalles.es