Royal Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, Roncesvalles, Spain

The Royal Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles was built in the French Gothic style. King Sancho VII built this church in the 13th century as part of the hospital’s facilities in Roncesvalles; its purpose was to provide succour to pilgrims on the Way of Saint James after crossing the Pyrenees. Highlights include the cloister, the chapel of San Agustín, the chapel of Santiago and the crypt, consisting of a straight section of barrel vault and a pentagonal apse. The walls and vaults are covered in mural paintings dating from the 13th century. The art treasures of the Royal collegiate church are housed in a museum in one of the rooms in the church, and include a particularly interesting collection of precious metalwork, exhibited in six display cases. Also outstanding is a chess set belonging to the Emperor Charlemagne, a Renaissance silver chest and a silver-plated wooden statue of the Virgin and Child. There is also a selection of paintings, books and sculptures.

References:

spain.info

Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Cristina Honorato (2 years ago)
Must see. Historical place, starting point of the French Camino de Santiago.

Grant Bremner (2 years ago)
This is such a beautiful church to visit and it one of the most important Gothic Buildings in Navarre. it was used by Navarrese monarchs for great festivities and solemn ceremonies and it is definitely well worth visiting if you are in the area. The interior is quite plain compared with other churches yet with many columns it has its own beauty you will not forget.

Clint Jean Louis (2 years ago)
Beautiful enclave in the Pre Pyrennes and key starting point of the Camino de Santiago in Navarra

Zeglar “Zeg” Fergus (3 years ago)
A beautiful church to visit, evening pilgrim blessing.

Vincent Loh (3 years ago)
Great albergue. Must stay. No one sleeps well here because it's the first night, but a rite of passage it is.

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