Roncesvalles

A 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.

The 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.

A 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.

The 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.

A 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.

Every 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.