Orreaga/Roncesvalles is famous in history because of the battle that took place here in 778. Having finished a campaign on the Iberian peninsula, Charlemagne's army was crossing the Pyrenees when a Basque force attacked and subsequently defeated their rearguard. The Basques were taking revenge as Charlemagne had previously razed the walls of their capital Pamplona/Iruña.
What to see in Orreaga/Roncesvalles
Museo de Roncesvalles
The museum houses many of Navarra's famous artifacts, including 'Charlemagne's chess', a reliquary designed to contain 32 relics in tiny boxes. It is actually from the 14th century, but an exquisite work of art nonetheless.
Capilla del Espíritu Santo
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit, or the 'Silo of Charlemagne', was built to house the remains of Charlemagne's soldiers who were killed in the battle of 778.
