The ancient capital of Basse Navarre when the Basque Kingdom spanned the Pyrenees.  St Jean Pied de Port is strategically located at the foot of the pass to Roncevalles which leads to the Spanish region of  Navarra and it’s capital Pamplona  The Spanish section of the ancient pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella could be said to start here.  The picturesque town stands on the sides of the fast flowing river Nive and is dominated by ‘La Citadelle’ an ancient fortification going back to the Roman era or before.  La Citadelle was rebuilt in the 1670's under the supervision of the great French Military architect Vauban. It is now a school.  The medieval street ‘Rue de la Citadelle and the Citadelle itself are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.