Roland's Gap

La Roland Gap It is one of those whims of nature that leaves us surprised by both its originality and its beauty. It is located in the no less spectacular Ordesa and Monte Perdido National ParkWithin the province of Huesca.

It is absolutely unique for its shape, but also for other characteristics. For example, it is the highest limestone massif in Europe, which makes its flora also peculiar. In any case, the Rolando Gap is a wonder of nature that we recommend you visit. So that you can do it, we are going to explain everything you need to know about it.

What is the Rolando Gap and how to get to it?

Therefore, the Gap is located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, pointing out the passage between Spain y France. More specifically, it is found in the Monte Perdido massif, at about two thousand eight hundred meters of altitude. It is an open space between two hills more than one hundred meters high and about forty meters wide that presents a spectacular image.

You can reach this natural monument from both France and Spain. In the case of the first, the route is a little simpler. Part of Gavarnie, where there is a parking lot. However, you will have to walk a long path of twelve kilometers and six hundred meters of elevation gain. As for the route from Spain, you can choose several routes. But one of the busiest is the one that starts from Bujaruelo Valley, where the Ara River is born. In your case, it is a beautiful journey, although more demanding. Not in vain, it has a length of about thirteen kilometers just for the one way and a gradient of one thousand six hundred meters.

The best time to do these routes is, logically, summer. You can also choose early fall or late spring. But don't choose winter. Keep in mind that there is a lot of climbing and the snow and ice can put you in difficulties. On the other hand, as happens with many other Pyrenean peaks, the formation of the Rolando Gap has a beautiful legend. Let's tell it to you.

The legend of Roland's Gap

To explain the story to you, we have to put ourselves in the context of the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The French used to make raids on the current Navarre y Aragon to recover territories. One of them occurred in the summer of the year 778 under the command of Rolandnephew of Charlemagne. After conquering Pamplona and failing to do so with Zaragoza, the Franks returned to their land in the face of the danger of being taken over by the enemy.

In the step of Roncesvalles They were attacked from above by an army that, according to some sources, was Basque and, according to others, Arab. The fact is that the Gallic hosts suffered a terrible defeat that practically annihilated them. As you know, this event is the one narrated by the Song of Roldán, an epic poem from the XNUMXth century that constitutes one of the canonical works of French literature.

The fact is that the legend of the formation of the Rolando Gap continues. From the terrible battle, the hero Roland emerged alive and was able to escape in the direction of Ordesa closely pursued by the enemy. His intention was to go to France. However, upon reaching the area where the Gap is today, he saw that there was no passage. Filled with rage, he took the no less legendary sword from him, baptized as Durandarte, and threw it against the rock, opening the enormous hole that we can see today.

Thus, he was able to see his Gallic land for the last time since, wounded as he was, he died shortly after. As a complement to this beautiful anecdote, we will tell you that, until not long ago, Durandarte was nailed to a rock next to the church of San Miguel in the town of Rocamadour, about two hundred kilometers from Toulouse. However, in 2011, it was extracted to take it to the Cluny Museum in Paris, where you can see it today.

However, although this legend is very beautiful, the formation of the Breach is more prosaic. It was due to erosion processes during the last ice age. These would give it its unique U shape.

The flora and fauna in the Gap environment

As you have been able to deduce, the view of Rolando's Gap is impressive. But, also, getting there allows you to discover the peculiar flora and fauna of the area. As for the first, you must keep in mind that our geological accident is almost three thousand meters above sea level. Therefore, there are few plant species that adapt to it.

Thus, among the plants that you can see in the Brecha area, there are several alpine species, but also others like chants or the Saxifrage, as well as herbs of the genus Festuca. However, you will be more interested in knowing that it is a perfect area to observe the famous edelweiss or "snow flower." In fact, it was a symbol of the Ordesa park and is protected.

Regarding fauna, there are plenty chamois and roe deer. They are also starting to recover the deer y The grizzly. Likewise, there are small mammals such as the otter, the fox, the genet or the wild cat. As for the birds, you can appreciate bearded vultures, golden eagles and griffon vultures. But also Egyptian vultures, kites, partridges and even small populations of capercaillie.

Tips for your excursion to the Gap

As we have already told you, the route to the Rolando Gap is not easy either from France or from the Spanish area. They are long routes with a lot of unevenness. Therefore, not suitable for everyone. But, in any case, we are going to offer you practical advice to do it.

First of all, keep in mind that you are going to an area with Mountain weather. Therefore, dress warmly with several layers of clothing, a waterproof jacket and hiking boots. You should also apply sunscreen and carry with you plenty of water y energy food so that your strength does not fail. A compass and a GPS device cannot be missing from your backpack either. It is perfect a fully charged phone which also allows you to make calls in case of emergency.

But, above all, before leaving, check the weather so as not to encounter bad conditions that could pose a risk. In any case, always keep in mind that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. So be prepared for different scenarios.

On the other hand, once you have reached the Gap, take a good time to enjoy the wonderful views and to regain strength by eating. Furthermore, if you consider yourself an experienced mountaineer, from there you can do other hiking routes. But you can also stay. Very close to the Gap you have a mountain retreat where they will offer you a bed, food and drink. However, it only works in summer and we advise you to book in advance to have a place. Keep in mind that there are many mountaineers who do this route and want to stay at the facility.

What to visit in the surroundings

To finish our article about this impressive geological accident, we will tell you about some of the towns that you can visit near it. Because many of these towns in the Aragonese Pyrenees They are beautiful and have a magnificent monumental heritage in which the houses built with the unique popular style area.

Furthermore, if you like snow sports, a few kilometers away you have the Formigal and Panticosa ski resorts. Even eight kilometers from the latter, there are a spa famous since the XNUMXth century for the properties of its waters. There are many locations that we could advise you. For example, Sabinanigo, Staggered o Boltaña, but we have chosen two: Biescas and the beautiful Aínsa.

Biescas

Located almost nine hundred meters above sea level and bathed by the Gállego River, this town is the gateway to the Tena valley. In its urban area, the homes that respond to the aforementioned typical architecture of the Aragonese Pyrenees stand out, with their stone, their projecting balconies and their truncated conical chimneys.

But, above all, we advise you to see the Torraza de los Acín. It is a medieval building with loopholes that is currently the headquarters of the Interpretation Center of the XNUMXth Century. You also have to visit the Church of San Salvador, built around the year 1200, although renovated in the XNUMXth century. It is a beautiful Romanesque temple that is complemented by the St. Peter's Church and hermitage of Santa Elena. The latter, built in the XNUMXth century, is on the outskirts of the town, near the neolithic dolmen of the same name. Also nearby is the St. Helena fort, built in times of Felipe II to defend the border.

Aínsa, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain

Declared Historic Artistic Set For its medieval streets and its typical buildings, Aínsa has as its symbol its covered cross, which is located inside a temple from 1665. Nearby is its castle, a fortress from the XNUMXth century that was later expanded and is listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest. Look, above all, at the Tenente tower, which today is an ecomuseum, the parade ground and the doorway that opens onto the Plaza Mayor.

This is a beauty surrounded by arcades in which there were wine presses for pressing grapes. And, to the same period belongs the church of Santa Maria, Romanesque style. Finally, you should see some stately houses from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries that are spread throughout the streets of the town. Among these, the Bielsa's house, with its twin windows, and the Arnal's house, with several covers.

In conclusion, we have explained everything you need to know about the imposing Roland Gap. We have also shown you what you can visit in its surroundings. We just want to finish by telling you to also approach the wonderful Pony. Dare to know this area of ​​​​the Aragonese Pyrenees. You will not regret.