In the heart of the Navarre Pyrenees, at the foot of the Roncevaux Pass, stands the village of Orreaga (in Basque) or Roncesvalles (in Spanish). This tiny village of less than twenty inhabitants is an important historical site that has served for centuries as a landmark for pilgrims traveling along the French Route to the grave of the Apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Interestingly, even in this small village you can see the symbols of Osasuna, the most popular football club in Navarre, representing the city of Pamplona. On the pages of the Bookmaker Rating portal, sports forecasters can get acquainted with the Megapari betting company, with which you can make bets on any sporting events.
The most significant building in the village is the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa Maria. This impressive French Gothic church, built in the early 13th century, is a testament to the importance of Roncesvalles on the way of St. James. Inspired by Notre Dame in Paris, the church was extensively renovated in the early 17th century.
The interior of the church is striking in its beauty. The three naves are decorated with a Gothic sculpture of the Virgin of Roncesvalles, colorful stained glass windows and rosette windows. The pentagonal altar, the large central nave and the painted frescoes in the crypt are just some of the many attractions of the church.
Roncesvalles has a rich history that is intertwined with the fate of Europe. The village has been a natural entrance to the Iberian Peninsula since prehistoric times. In the Middle Ages, it was an important border point that played a crucial role in shaping the future of the continent.
