Roland's Breach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roland's Breach |
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| La Brèche de Roland | |
Roland's Breach as seen from the French side.
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| Elevation | 2,804 m (9,199 ft) |
| Traversed by | foot |
| Location | Hautes-Pyrénées, France Aragón, Spain |
| Range | Pyrenees |
| Coordinates | 42°41′27″N 00°02′01″W / 42.69083°N 0.03361°W |
 Brecha de Rolando
Location in Spain
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Roland's Breach (also known as French: La Brèche de Roland or Spanish: La Brecha de Rolando) is a famous natural opening in the Pyrenees mountains. It is a huge gap, about 40 meters wide and 100 meters high. This amazing rock formation sits at a high point of 2804 meters above sea level. You can find it right on the border between Aragón, in northern Spain, and Hautes-Pyrénées, in France.
Contents
Where is Roland's Breach?
This natural gap is located inside the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. It sits exactly on the border between France and Spain. The breach is very close to the tall, steep cliffs of the Cirque de Gavarnie.
The Legend of Roland
A popular legend tells us how Roland's Breach was formed. It says that a brave knight named Count Roland created it. Roland was a famous hero from the army of Charlemagne, a powerful king.
Roland's Amazing Sword
The story says that Roland used his special sword, named Durendal, to cut the gap. This happened after he was defeated in a big battle in 778. This battle is known as the Battle of Roncesvalles. Roland tried to destroy his sword so it wouldn't fall into enemy hands. He hit the mountain with Durendal, and that created the breach.
A Hero's Last View
Another part of the legend adds more to the story. Roland was being chased by enemies called Saracens. He was cornered at a place called Salto de Roldán. To escape, he jumped a huge gap on his horse. His horse sadly died, but Roland kept going. He walked north and then struck the Pyrenees mountains with his sword. He made Roland's Breach so he could see France one last time before he died.
How to Visit
You can reach Roland's Breach by hiking. There is a mountain shelter nearby called the Refugio Sarradets. From there, it takes about an hour to climb up to the breach. It's a popular spot for hikers and adventurers.
Gallery
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Roland's Breach as seen from the Spanish side
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Roland's Breach, seen from a distance
See also
In Spanish: Brecha de Rolando para niños
