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Historic centre · Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Nova Aquitânia
Porte Saint-Jacques et rue de la Citadelle
The medieval gate through which pilgrims enter the village, a World Heritage site within the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France, and the rua da Cidadela, with pink sandstone houses.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Porte Saint-Jacques et rue de la Citadelle
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port grew in the 13th century as a fortified town at the foot of the Pyrenean pass, and much of the walls and gates still stand. The best known is the Porte Saint-Jacques, at the top of the town, through which pilgrims coming from northern France arrived via the routes from Paris, Vézelay and Le Puy. Since 1998 the gate has been part of the World Heritage ensemble of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.
From the gate, the rua da Cidadela slopes down to the rio Nive. It is the main street of the old town, with 16th- to 18th-century houses of pink sandstone, arched doorways with dates and inscriptions carved into the lintels, and wooden balconies. On it are the pilgrim reception office, where the credential is obtained and information is given about the first stage, hostels and walking equipment shops.
On the same street is the Prison des Évêques, and at its end the Porte Notre-Dame, beneath the church tower, which leads to the old bridge over the Nive. Outside, the rampart path circles the town.
The whole street can be walked in a few minutes, but the movement of pilgrims with backpacks and walking sticks gives it a distinct atmosphere, especially early in the morning.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Early in the morning, when pilgrims set off for the first stage, or late in the afternoon, when they arrive. In the Camino season, from April to October, the rua becomes busier.
How to get there
The Porte Saint-Jacques sits at the top of the village, about a 10-minute walk from the train station. The rua da Cidadela descends from there to the church and the rio.
Tip
Read the inscriptions above the doorways of the houses on the rua da Cidadela: many bear the year of construction and the owners' names, in French or Basque.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Porte Saint-Jacques et rue de la Citadelle
What is the Porte Saint-Jacques?
It is the medieval gate at the top of the village, through which pilgrims of the Caminho de Santiago entered. It has been part of the World Heritage ensemble of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France since 1998.
Where is the pilgrims' office located?
On rua da Cidadela, which descends from the Porte Saint-Jacques down to the river. There you collect the credential and receive information about the first stage.
What to see on rua da Cidadela?
Houses from the 16th to the 18th centuries in pink sandstone, with dates and inscriptions on the doors, the Prison des Évêques and, at the end, the Porte Notre-Dame.