CAMINO KOALA
VillageNavarra745 km to Santiago de Compostela

Roncesvalles

A historic monastery complex high in the Pyrenees, the first stop in Spain after crossing from France. The Gothic Collegiate Church hosts a moving pilgrim blessing each evening.

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About Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles is a historic monastery complex in the high Pyrenees, the first stop in Spain on the Camino Frances. The site has deep historical resonance, associated with the legendary Battle of Roncevaux Pass and Charlemagne's rearguard.

The large Collegiate Church hosts a pilgrim blessing ceremony each evening, which is a moving experience for many walkers. The monastery operates a large modern albergue with over 180 beds. There is also a small hotel and a restaurant.

Services are limited to the monastery complex itself. There is no town in the traditional sense, just the religious buildings, the albergue, and a handful of facilities. Pilgrims should note that the albergue can fill quickly in peak season. The descent from here to Zubiri passes through beautiful beech forests.

Where to stay

Beds in Roncesvalles, night by night

Every kind of bed in one place: online booking, direct-contact albergues, walk-ins and donativos. Live prices for your night.

November 8 to November 21Each night shows how many places you can book online and the lowest price. Select a night to see the detail.
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Sunday, November 8Albergue dorms and private rooms both count. Walk-in and donativo albergues never sell out online: arrive early in the day instead.
Prices come live from our booking partners and change with demand. Walk-in and donativo albergues are not counted here: they are in the full list at the bottom of the page.
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Explore Roncesvalles

The Camino through town, with prices where the beds are. Amber is the route; each pin is a place to stay.

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Things to do

Things to do in Roncesvalles

6 things
SightVisit the Real Colegiata de Santa MariaA stunning example of French Gothic architecture, inspired by Notre Dame in Paris. Built in the 13th century to shelter pilgrims crossing the Pyrenees. The carved Gothic statue of the Virgin of Roncesvalles inside is considered one of the finest in Navarra.
HistorySilo de CarlomagnoThe oldest building in Roncesvalles, this 12th-century Romanesque chapel was built over a crypt said to hold the graves of Charlemagne's soldiers killed in the legendary Battle of Roncesvalles in 778. The epic defeat was immortalised in the medieval poem La Chanson de Roland.
RelaxationWalk to the Ibaneta PassA 3 km walk uphill from Roncesvalles to the 1,300m pass where the Route Napoleon and the Valcarlos route join. A modern chapel dedicated to Charlemagne and a monument to Roland stand here. On a clear day, you can see back into France. A contemplative spot to reflect on the crossing you just made.
HistoryExplore the MuseumThe monastery museum houses extraordinary treasures, including the famous "Charlemagne's Chessboard", a gilded silver reliquary, and the Emerald of Miramamolin, said to have been taken from the Moorish king at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212. Entry is around 4 euros with your credential.
RelaxationWalk the Canons' PathA gentle loop walk around the monastery grounds, following the only route the canons were historically permitted to take outside the walls. It passes the Roland Spring, where legend says the knight was wounded, and the Spring of the Virgin, where shepherds found the carving of the Virgin of Roncesvalles.
Camino MomentAttend the Pilgrim MassEvery evening at 8pm (6pm at weekends), a pilgrim mass and blessing is held in the Iglesia de Santa Maria. After crossing the Pyrenees, this is one of the most emotional moments of the early Camino. The church fills with pilgrims who have just shared one of the hardest days of the entire walk.
Pilgrim tips

Tips for Roncesvalles from pilgrims

Short, practical advice from people who have walked through Roncesvalles.

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Places to stay in Roncesvalles

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