Roncesvalles [Orreaga]

Camino Frances

To end of camino
742.7
Altitude
954

Collado de Lepoeder

3.90

Roncesvalles [Orreaga]

2.60

Burguete [Auritz]

Services
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes

The popular dining spot is at the Posada, and you can buy a ticket for dinner at the albergue. The dining room sees pilgrims from all over the world sit down at random to fill the tables. Half of them are about to begin their walk, which starts here, while the other half have just descended from the mountain. The difference is in the length of their stride. Dinner is also available at the hotel.

It doesn't take much to see the whole village, and almost every building is a treasure of some kind.

Near the albergue is the Iglesia de Santa Maria, where a mass for pilgrims and a blessing take place every day at 8 p.m. (6 p.m. at weekends). The Real Colegiata de Santa María de Roncesvalles is also a must-see, but the relics and other remarkable objects are part of the Museum (small price).

The small Capilla de Santiago o de los Peregrinos and the Silo de Carlomagno (also known as the Capilla de Sancti Spiritus) lie side by side along the road.

Fiesta

The day of the Virgin of Roncesvalles is celebrated every year on September 8. Romerías (a local pilgrimage) take place on Sundays in May and June, and on the Wednesday before September 8.

History

Roncesvalles is the scene of the epic battle between Roland and Charlemagne's rearguard. The Basques ambushed and destroyed the guard, Roland perished, and a legend was born. Centuries later, the church would capitalize on the name, and the abbey here would control an important territory up and down the valley, all the way to Pamplona.

The Road

The camino starts on a path to the west of the main road (your right-hand side), heading into the forest before returning to the road as you approach Burguete.

City Map

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Loved the stay at the monastery. Wonderfully led by volunteers from Holland. So nice. So clean. Set up great for the amount of beds they have. The Sabine restaurant next to was so yummy. Try the ham and cheese fritters. Only place I ever saw them on menu.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We booked on the hotel side because we had read prior to going it fills up fast. We wanted to do laundry which was on the hostel side they told us No. we are pilgrims too but knew my friend would not be able to walk additional steps. Without the laundry issue this place is incredibly beautiful and unique. The hotel staff went above and beyond getting money back to us that we left in the room.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The laundry service is amazing and well worth the cost. Beautiful building, much better than the old one in the stables (I stayed there in 2008).

All Caminos App User (not verified)

This place had the best pilgrim lunch. Right when you get into town up the hill.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

This place had the best pilgrim lunch. Right when you get into town up the hill.

Camino de Sant…

Wonderful place to stop after long day of walking. Well organized, clean and filled with pilgrim spirit.

Camino de Sant…

We were 4. all having met the day before, but we were able to stay in a cubicle with 2 bunk beds. in a big room, but felt small. clean and well organized. I enjoyed it.

Camino de Sant…

Very good spirited volunteers at the refugio. Found a bed for me in basement even though there was no space left.

Camino de Sant…

Now they only sell the tickets for the dinner at the Albergue, and not at the bar at Sabina.

Camino de Sant…

Be aware that they don’t have a card machine and there is no cash point in town. Price is €14 (26 August 2020).