Roncesvalles, located in the Navarrese Pyrenees, is a place with a rich history that dates back centuries. Its name derives from the famous battle of Roncesvalles which took place on August 15, 778. In this battle, the Frankish army led by Charlemagne ssuffered a defeat at the hands of the Vascones, a local Basque tribe. This battle has been immortalized in the medieval epic «The Song of Roland«.
During the Middle Ages, Roncesvalles became an important enclave in the the Camino de Santiago, the Europe's most famous pilgrimage route. A hospital and a church were established to provide assistance and accommodation to pilgrims traveling the Camino. Roncesvalles became a crucial starting point for pilgrims arriving from France, on what is known as the French route.
In the 12th century, the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María de Roncesvalles, an impressive Gothic building that housed the church and the pilgrim hospital. This religious institution acquired great importance and wealth over the centuries, thanks to the donations of pilgrims.
Over the centuries, Roncesvalles has maintained its importance as a pilgrimage site and has preserved its historical and cultural legacy. The town has witnessed the constant flow of pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago and has played a fundamental role in the spread of the Christian faith and the development of culture in the region.
Today, Roncesvalles remains an emblematic place on the Camino de Santiago and attracts numerous visitors who wish to experience its history, admire its medieval architecture and enjoy its natural beauty nestled in the impressive Pyrenean landscapes.
El heritage of the Collegiate Church It includes works of art, religious objects and architectural elements of great value. Next, I will mention some highlights of the Collegiate Church's heritage:
– Main altarpiece: The main altarpiece of the Collegiate Church is a masterpiece of the 13th century. It is one of the most important Gothic altarpieces in Spain. It is made up of various scenes and carvings that represent the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary and various saints.
- Tomb of Sancho VII the Strong: In the chapel of San Agustín there is the tomb of King Sancho VII the Strong, one of the monarchs of Navarra. It is an impressive sculptural work made of alabaster that dates back to the 13th century.
- Cloister: The Collegiate Church has a beautiful Gothic cloister from the 13th century. It is one of the most outstanding cloisters in Spain. It is composed of pointed arches, carved capitals and a double-height gallery that surrounds a central patio. Read more
– Treasure of the Collegiate Church: The treasure of the Collegiate Church houses a large number of liturgical and religious objects of great historical and artistic value. Among them are chalices, reliquaries, processional crosses, liturgical ornaments and ancient manuscripts.
Collegiate Museum: Within the Collegiate complex there is a museum that exhibits a selection of artistic and archaeological pieces related to the history of Roncesvalles and the Camino de Santiago. Here you can find objects such as carvings, paintings, books and other elements of historical and cultural interest.
