Collégiale royale de Roncevaux (Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles)

Roncevaux (Roncesvalles/Orreaga)

The meeting point where the three French routes in this app — those from Le Puy, Vézelay and Tours — come together before crossing the pass of Roncesvalles as one. A pilgrim hospice is attested here from the 10th century; the present collegiate church dates from the late 12th and early 13th century. It was here, according to the account of the chronicler Einhard (a documented historical fact), that the rearguard of Charlemagne's army was wiped out in 778 on its return from Spain — an episode which the Song of Roland, composed several centuries later, turned into a chivalric legend with no historical value of its own.

Getting there : Free admission to the church; hospice and museum with opening hours

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound