Navarre cannot be fully understood without considering the impact of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago (also called St James Way), which has left innumerable churches, monasteries and hospitals that initially attended to pilgrims following the route. It was initially promoted by King Sancho III 'el Mayor' in the 11th century. The official route was later established as the so-called 'French Route'.
Two great routes cross the Kingdom of Navarre: the one that enters at the legendary Orreaga/Roncesvalles (Roncesvaux) and continues on to Pamplona, and the other from the Pyrenees of Aragon, which passes through Sangüesa. The two routes come together at Puente la Reina and continue on towards Estella. The last stop on the Pilgrim?s Way in Navarre is Viana, from where it passes into La Rioja. There are other, less important, routes in the region: the Camino Baztanés (Baztan route) and the Ruta del Ebro (Ebro route).
Navarra... la primera del Camino
To discover Navarre as a pilgrim or a visitor is to feel the steps taken along the Pilgrim?s Way throughout history, to enjoy the legends and traditions born of popular culture, and also the gastronomy and the landscape that frame the rich artistic heritage along the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago in Navarre.
Many towns and villages were created to serve the Pilgrim's Way and innumerable religious and civil buildings have been constructed in the process. Discover the Pilgrim's Way through the towns/villages and monuments of Navarre.
