Roncesvalles
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Roncesvalles
- Residents: 50 aprox.
- Province: Navarra
Information
Get to know Roncesvalles
The town of Roncesvalles is the starting point for the vast majority of pilgrims who begin the French Way, since starting at the previous stage involves crossing the Pyrenees.
That is why for many years an important hospice was in operation in the town, which served the pilgrims who arrived exhausted after crossing the Pyrenees. It is worth mentioning that since ancient times Roncesvalles was the main route to enter the Iberian Peninsula.
Location
How to get there
The main way to get to the village of Roncesvalles is by the national road N-135 that links France and Pamplona.
The main way to get to the village of Roncesvalles is by the national road N-135 that links France and Pamplona.
It is also possible to arrive by bus, as there is a regular line of the company Artieda that connects Pamplona and Roncesvalles daily, except Sundays and holidays. During the peak pilgrimage season, bus reinforcements are increased, making it easier to get to Roncesvalles.
Another option to get there, and the main one at the weekend, is by cab or rental car.
History / Culture
What to see
Iglesia de Santiago
The small church of Santiago was one of the first buildings of the hospital complex, with a Romanesque base finished with Gothic vaults added later. It is a church consecrated in honor of St. James, whose sculpture was built similar to that of Santiago “Beltza” of Puente la Reina.
It has a Romanesque base with Gothic vaults added later.
Portal de Peregrinos
The Pilgrims’ Portal, dating from the 19th century, is located next to the Beneficiaries’ Houses and the façade of the church. It forms a construction that leads to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria and is dominated by a semicircular arch doorway framed by pilasters, frieze and pediment.
Museo – Tesoro
The Museum-Treasure is located under the library and was the residence of the canons. At present, unique pieces of very relevant and high quality medieval goldsmithing are preserved, such as the enamel reliquary “Charlemagne’s Chess” or the Romanesque Evangeliary.
It is worth mentioning the Dutch triptych of the XVI century and the collection of paintings, sculptures, books and jewelry that we can visit inside this space.
The museum opens for each visit with entrance control and the person wishing to access it must first pass through the ticket office.
Iglesia Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Roncesvalles
The collegiate church of Our Lady of Roncesvalles was built in 1200 on the initiative of the King of Navarre, Sancho VII “El Fuerte”. It has three naves separated by cylindrical pillars of different thicknesses.
The highlights of its decoration are the large rose windows that give light to the church by having the side roofs just below. In the 17th century the Gothic elements were excluded, boarding up all the windows and covering them with a long roof, but in 1940 the church returned to its original appearance, albeit with a number of neo-Gothic details, such as the facade.
The silver Gothic sculpture of the titular Virgin is in the middle of the chancel, under a silver baldachin. It is a sculpture of Mary with her son on her knees claiming her attention, being of large size and made of walnut wood lined with silver. It was sculpted in the 14th century in Toulouse (France).
Silo de Carlomagno
The Silo of Charlemagne is a mysterious cemetery construction that lacks clear dating and is located in the vicinity of the well-known Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Over the centuries it was considered the tomb of Charlemagne’s warriors, including Roland, and it is also recognized as a burial place for pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages.
Under the central square there is a large subway space covered with vaults, full of bones from different periods and origins. Part of the cloister surrounding the central square is still preserved.
All the bones of the central square are still preserved today.
Information of interest
Local police
112
Civil guard
988 760 006
Fire department
948 760 032
Civil protection
112
Town hall
948 760 032
Health center
948 760 300
Tourism office
948 760 301
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