Celts, Vandals, Goths… due to its location to the north, the municipality of Roncesvalles (Orreaga in Basque) has always been one of the most important natural passages into the Iberian Peninsula. It was here where the historic defeat of Charlemagne took place in 778 and where the first stop on the St James Way in the peninsula was made.
Also in the town is the Collegiate Church of Santa María de Roncesvalles, a former pilgrim hospital and medieval monumental complex that houses the tomb of Sancho VII el Fuerte. The collegiate church is dedicated to Santa María de Roncesvalles, honoured every September 8 during the patron saint festivities.
This mythical place is surrounded by extensive beech forests and landscapes that offer beautiful walks, such as the Basajaunberro Forest (3.9 km).
Access: By car or bus. From Pamplona there is a daily bus service from the company Autocares Artieda (948 300 287) and a daily Conda-Alsa service (902 422 242) from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port, with a stop in Roncesvalles.