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 dinner spot is at the Posada, and you can buy a ticket for dinner from the albergue.  The dining room sees pilgrims from the world over sat down at random to fill the tables. Half are about to start their walk, beginning here, the other half just came off the mountain. The length of their stride tells them apart. It is also possible to eat dinner at the Hotel.

It doesn’t take much to see the whole town, but nearly every building is a treasure of some kind.

Nearest the albergue is the Iglesia de Santa Maria, where a pilgrim Mass and benediction is held daily at 8pm (6pm on weekends). The Real Colegiata de Santa María de Roncesvalles is also not to be missed, but the relics and other notable items are part of the Museum (small fee).

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

Fiesta

Dia de la Virgen de Roncesvalles is celebrated every year on September 8th. Romerías (a local piligrimage) are held on the Sundays of May and June, and the Wednesday before the 8th of September.

History

Roncesvalles is the setting for the epic battle between Roland and Charlemagne's rear guard. 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 controlled a significant territory up and down the valley as far as Pamplona.

The Road

The camino leaves along a footpath to the west of the main road (your right hand side), pressing deeper into the forest before returning to the road as it approaches Burguete.

Comments

Camino de Sant…

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

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

All Caminos App User

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

michael

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

michael

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.

michael

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

michael

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

michael

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