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Church · Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Nova Aquitânia
Église Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont
Gothic church next to the gate and the old bridge over the river Nive, at the end of the rua da Cidadela, a stopping point for pilgrims heading into the Pyrenees.
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 Église Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont
The church of Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont, Nossa Senhora do Fim da Ponte, stands at the lowest point of the old town, where the rua da Cidadela meets the river Nive. It is a pinkish-stone Gothic church, with the bell tower raised over the Porte Notre-Dame, one of the gates of the wall, through which the street passes beneath the tower.
The building was constructed from the 14th century on top of an older church. Inside, the nave is wide and dim, with wooden galleries on the sides—typical of Basque churches—where men used to sit during mass, and an altarpiece at the altar. Pilgrims often pass through it before continuing into the Pyrenees.
Just beyond the gate is the old stone bridge over the Nive, with a familiar view: the town houses, with wooden balconies and flowers, leaning over the river. On the other side of the bridge begins the rua de Espanha, which leads to the exit of the Camino toward Roncesvalles.
It is one of the most photographed spots in the town, especially in the late-afternoon light over the river.
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
15 to 30 minutes, including the bridge.
Best time
Late afternoon, for the view of the houses over the Nive from the bridge. During masses, access to the interior is limited.
How to get there
It is at the end of the rua da Cidadela, by the river, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Tip
Cross the bridge and look back at the town: it's the classic photo of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, with the houses above the Nive.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Église Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont
What does Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont mean?
Our Lady of the End of the Bridge, because the church stands next to the old bridge over the river Nive, at the end of rua da Cidadela.
What's special about the church?
The bell tower over the Porte Notre-Dame, through which the street passes, and the wooden side galleries, typical of Basque churches.
Where to take the classic photo of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
From the old bridge over the Nive, next to the church, looking toward the houses with wooden balconies over the river.