- La Rhune
Infobox Mountain
Name = La Rhune
Photo = La Rhune Neige.jpg
Caption = La Rhune in the snow
Elevation = convert|905|m|ft|0
Location = FRA / ESP
Range =Pyrenees
Type =
Prominence = convert|670|m|ft|0
Coordinates =coord|43.308848|-1.635332|region:FR_type:mountain|display=inline,title
Topographic
First ascent =
Easiest route =La Rhune ( modern Basque: "Larrun", IPA: [la'run] , - 'good pasture', possibly a
folk etymology , in French until the 20th century: "Larhune" ) is a mountain (905 m) at the western end of thePyrenees . It is located on the border betweenFrance andSpain , where the traditional Basque provinces ofLabourd andNavarra meet. Its prominence is 670 m.La Rhune holds an iconic place in Basque culture. It is covered in
dolmen s,stone circle s and otherneolithic monuments and was held to be a sacred place inBasque mythology . It was said to be the home ofLeben Sugea , the first serpent. Later, and perhaps as a consequence of the ancient sacred sites, the summit had a reputation as an "akelarre" or ritual meeting place forwitch es. Up until the 18th century, local villages paid for amonk to live as ahermit at the top of the mountain to keep witches away and ensure good winds.The mountain was used by French troops as a defensive position towards the end of thePeninsular War , but Wellington's forces drove those ofMarshal Soult off the mountain during theBattle of Nivelle onNovember 10 1813 , this action leaving France open for Wellington's successful march north toParis .La Rhune and the local area were notable smuggling routes used for centuries, including for
refugee s during theSpanish Civil War andWorld War II . Smuggling was of such importance that a local tale tells that the mountain was covered bygold until evil men came to take it away. They burned the trees on the mountain to reach the gold, but the metal melted and flowed away.La Rhune is now a popular site for walks and hikes. A small train, the
Petit train de la Rhune , takes visitors to the top of the mountain from the French side. Cows, a fewpottok ponies andmanech sheep wander the slopes.La Rhune still holds an iconic place in Basque culture, with many inns and restaurants bearing its name and its distinctive shape adorning many souvenirs and logos.
External links
* [http://www.rhune.com/ Le petit train de la Rhune website]
* [http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/171096/pirineos-bidasoa-baztan.html La Rhune region on SummitPost]
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