Pamplona

Introduction

Pamplona, the capital of Navarre in northeastern Spain, is a city steeped in history dating back to its foundation in 74 BCE by the Roman general Pompey. Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees at 449 metres above sea level, this thriving cultural hub offers visitors a blend of medieval architecture and modern amenities. The old town, with its narrow winding streets, is dominated by the 14th-15th century Gothic cathedral and surrounded by impressive defensive walls that speak to its past as a military stronghold. While internationally renowned for the Festival of San Fermín and its famous Running of the Bulls held annually from 6-14 July, Pamplona offers year-round attractions including the Plaza del Castillo (the city's social heart), numerous museums, lush parks along the Arga River, and a vibrant food scene featuring local pintxos and award-winning Navarran wines. With its strategic location between France and Spain, Pamplona serves as an important communication and commercial centre, boasting a high standard of living and quality of life.

Interesting Facts about Pamplona

• Pamplona is on the Camino de Santiago Frances pathway and has become a thriving cultural hub with many restaurants and bars serving Basque tapas and Navarran wines.
• The city is famed for the yearly festival of the Running of the Bulls, but it also has lush parks, medieval architecture, museums, a cathedral, and lively nightlife.
• Pamplona was named for its supposed founder, the Roman general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey), though there is evidence that it was the main town of the Vascones (Basque) much earlier than Roman times.
• The Pamplona Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture built on a former pagan temple and contains Spain's largest working bell, known as "María," which weighs 12 tons.
• Pamplona’s city walls are some of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe, originally built by the Romans and expanded in the Middle Ages.
• Monte Ezcaba overlooks Pamplona and is home to the San Cristóbal Fortress, which was the site of a daring mass escape in 1938 during the Spanish Civil War.
• Pamplona's architecture includes Gothic, Renaissance, and modern styles, and the City Hall, rebuilt in 1951, is where the Chupinazo is launched every July 6 to mark the start of San Fermín.
• The Pamplona bullring, inaugurated on 7 July 1922, is the second largest in Spain, with a capacity of approximately 20,000 spectators, and hosts the bullfights of San Fermín.
• The Cathedral of Santa María la Real in Pamplona's old town is Gothic in style with a neoclassical façade and maintains unique rooms such as the stalls, the refectory, the chapter house, and the bedroom.
• Pamplona's city walls cover 5 kilometres and have been declared a National Monument and an Asset of Cultural Interest.
• The Redin Stronghold offers a viewpoint over the city where you can often see pilgrims crossing the Portal de Francia gateway.
• For over 20 years, Pamplona’s state-of-the-art planetarium has been wowing 200,000 annual visitors with expositions projected onto the 20-meter dome of the Tornamira Hall.

History

Pamplona's fascinating history stretches back to ancient times, when it was a settlement of the Vascones tribe known as Iruña. The city was formally established in 75-74 BCE by the Roman general Pompey, who founded Pompaelo (meaning "city of Pompey") during his campaigns against Quintus Sertorius. Following Roman rule, the city passed through the hands of various powers, including the Visigoths and Muslims of Al-Andalus. The early 9th century saw the foundation of the Kingdom of Navarre, with Pamplona as its capital. Under King Sancho III in the 11th century, this kingdom flourished to become the most powerful Christian state on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Middle Ages brought prosperity to Pamplona, largely due to its strategic position along the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route, which fostered cultural and commercial exchanges with the rest of Europe. During this period, the city existed as three separate boroughs—Navarrería, San Cernín, and San Nicolás—each with distinct cultural and social identities. These boroughs frequently engaged in conflicts until they were finally united into a single city in 1423 under the Privilege of the Union. Pamplona's medieval heritage remains visible today in its magnificent Cathedral of Santa María la Real and sections of the old city walls.

A pivotal moment in Pamplona's history came in 1512 when it was annexed to Spain by the armies of Ferdinand of Aragon-Castile, though it maintained semi-autonomous status with its own laws and institutions. The city was subsequently transformed into a military stronghold, with King Philip II ordering the construction of impressive fortifications, including the pentagonal star-shaped citadel that visitors can explore today. Through the centuries, Pamplona weathered French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars and played significant roles in the Carlist Wars of the 19th century. Today, while internationally renowned for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín Festival, Pamplona offers visitors a compelling journey through Spanish history, with its Roman foundations, medieval splendour, and military heritage all carefully preserved alongside its modern vibrancy.

Main Attractions

Historic City Centre (Casco Viejo)

Plaza del Castillo

The Plaza del Castillo stands as the undisputed heart of Pamplona, a magnificent square often referred to as the city's "living room." Dating back to the 18th century, this expansive plaza is surrounded by historic buildings with colourful façades, including the iconic Café Iruña, once frequented by Ernest Hemingway. The square serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors alike, with its carefully maintained gardens and a traditional bandstand at its centre. Throughout history, this space has witnessed bullfights, markets, and political gatherings, embodying the evolving story of Pamplona itself.

Calle Estafeta

Calle Estafeta has gained international fame as one of the main stretches of the Running of the Bulls route during the San Fermín festival. This narrow, winding street runs for approximately 825 metres through the old town. Beyond its festival fame, Estafeta showcases the traditional architecture of Pamplona, with buildings dating back several centuries. The street maintains its medieval character while housing contemporary shops, traditional pintxo bars, and restaurants. The stone façades bear witness to countless festivals and daily life in Pamplona throughout the centuries.

City Hall (Ayuntamiento)

Located in the picturesque Plaza Consistorial, Pamplona's City Hall is an architectural masterpiece with a striking Baroque façade dating from 1752. The building represents a fascinating blend of different architectural styles, with its interior revealing earlier construction phases. This is where the famous Chupinazo takes place—the launching of a rocket that marks the beginning of the San Fermín festival each year on 6th July. The balconies of this historic building have witnessed countless important events in the city's past, and its ceremonial rooms contain valuable artwork and historical documents relating to Pamplona's governance.

Religious Sites

Catedral de Pamplona

The Cathedral of Santa María la Real dominates Pamplona's skyline with its Gothic majesty. Construction began in the 14th century on the site of earlier churches, resulting in an impressive blend of architectural styles. The cathedral's neoclassical façade, added in the 18th century, conceals a truly remarkable Gothic interior. Inside, visitors discover the alabaster tomb of Charles III of Navarre and his wife Eleanor of Castile, considered one of the finest examples of Gothic funerary art in Europe. The cathedral complex includes a museum housing an exceptional collection of sacred art, including a silver-plated wooden Virgin from the 12th century. The magnificent cloister, considered one of the finest in Europe, features delicate Gothic tracery and intricate medieval carvings.

Iglesia de San Saturnino

The Church of Saint Saturnin (San Cernin) is dedicated to Pamplona's first bishop and the city's patron saint. This 13th-century Gothic church features two distinctive defensive towers that once served as a stronghold for the Frankish borough of San Cernin. The bell tower contains one of the city's oldest bells, nicknamed "María," dating from 1584. The interior houses valuable religious artwork, including a silver reliquary bust of San Fermín created in the 15th century. The church's position in the historic city centre makes it a prominent landmark and an essential stop for those exploring Pamplona's religious heritage.

Iglesia de San Nicolás

The Church of San Nicolás stands as a remarkable example of Gothic architecture with defensive features, reflecting the troubled times of its construction in the 12th century. Built with thick walls and sturdy towers, it served both religious and military purposes, protecting the borough of San Nicolás during medieval conflicts. The church contains several chapels adorned with artwork from different periods, and its stone walls tell the story of Pamplona's complex history of territorial disputes. The building underwent significant restoration in the 20th century, revealing architectural elements that had been hidden for centuries.

City Walls and Fortifications

La Ciudadela

The Citadel of Pamplona represents one of Spain's most impressive examples of military architecture from the Renaissance period. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, this pentagonal fortress once served as the city's primary defensive structure. Today, the grassy ramparts and stone fortifications enclose peaceful gardens and exhibition spaces used for cultural events. Walking along the ancient walls offers exceptional views of both the old town and the modern city beyond. The moats, bastions, and drawbridges remain as testament to the military engineering brilliance of the period, while the interior buildings have been repurposed for cultural and recreational activities.

Baluarte del Redín

The Redín Bastion forms one of the most scenic sections of Pamplona's historic walls. Positioned on a natural elevation, this 16th-century defensive structure provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Arga River valley and the distant Pyrenees mountains. The bastion was strategically built to defend the northeastern approach to the city, and today its thick stone walls and watchtowers remain remarkably intact. The adjacent grassy areas have become a popular place for relaxation, where visitors can appreciate both natural beauty and military history simultaneously.

Rincón del Caballo Blanco

The "Corner of the White Horse" occupies one of the most picturesque spots on Pamplona's ancient walls. This romantic viewpoint takes its name from a nearby building that once housed a famous tavern bearing the same name. The small plaza offers breathtaking views over the Arga River, the surrounding valleys, and the mountains beyond. Stone benches allow visitors to sit and contemplate the landscape that has changed little since medieval times. The spot is particularly magical at sunset, when the ancient stones glow golden and the distant mountains are silhouetted against the evening sky.

Portal de Francia

The France Gate represents the historic entrance to Pamplona for pilgrims travelling the Camino de Santiago. This well-preserved medieval gateway dates back to the 18th century, though earlier versions existed since medieval times. The structure includes impressive defensive elements, including a drawbridge pit and a guard house. For centuries, this gateway controlled access to the city from the north, and today it stands as a reminder of Pamplona's strategic importance on both military and pilgrimage routes. Walking through its stone archway, modern visitors follow in the footsteps of countless medieval pilgrims, merchants, and travellers.

Other Notable Sites

Plaza de Toros

Pamplona's bullring ranks as the second largest in Spain and arguably one of the most famous in the world due to its association with the San Fermín festival. Constructed in 1922 in a Neo-Mudéjar style, this impressive arena has a capacity for nearly 20,000 spectators. The building's distinctive red and white exterior has become an iconic image associated with the city. Throughout the San Fermín festival, this is where the running of the bulls concludes each morning, followed by traditional bullfights in the afternoon. The structure itself represents a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture, with its elegant arcades and careful attention to traditional Spanish design elements.

Monumento al Encierro

The Monument to the Running of the Bulls captures the intensity and drama of Pamplona's most famous tradition in bronze. Created by artist Rafael Huerta in 1994, this dynamic sculptural ensemble stretches for 11 metres along a street in the city centre. The life-sized figures depict runners and bulls in motion, frozen in various positions of effort and tension. The monument portrays both the grace of the bulls and the determination of the runners with remarkable accuracy, based on photographs and firsthand observations of the event. This artistic tribute has become a popular gathering spot, where visitors attempt to recreate poses alongside the bronze participants year-round.

Royal Palace and General Archive of Navarre

Housed in the former Palace of the Kings of Navarre, this striking building combines elements from various historical periods, from its medieval foundations to Renaissance additions. Extensively renovated by architect Rafael Moneo in the early 2000s, the structure now serves as the General Archive of Navarre, preserving documents that date back to the 12th century. The building's stone façade features the coat of arms of Navarre and other heraldic elements that speak to the region's proud history of independence. Inside, modern architectural interventions complement the historical structure, creating spaces that protect Navarre's documentary heritage while allowing for scholarly research and public exhibitions about the region's past.

Caballo Blanco Viewpoint

Located at one of the highest points of Pamplona's old town, this viewing terrace offers sweeping panoramas that extend far beyond the city limits. Named after a historical tavern that once occupied the site, the viewpoint is accessible via picturesque medieval streets that wind up from the cathedral area. Stone balustrades frame vistas of the Arga River valley, with the Pyrenees visible on clear days. This spot holds particular significance in local culture, having been celebrated in literature and art as the definitive viewpoint for appreciating Pamplona's unique geographical setting. Visitors often remark on how the landscape visible from this point has remained largely unchanged for centuries, despite the modernisation of the city itself.

Plaza del Consejo

This intimate square lies in the heart of the old town, surrounded by buildings representing various architectural periods from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The plaza takes its name from the medieval Council that once governed Navarre and met in this vicinity. A traditional stone fountain occupies the centre of the square, while carefully preserved façades showcase architectural elements typical of northern Spanish urban design. Less frequented by tourists than the larger Plaza del Castillo, this square offers a glimpse of daily life in Pamplona, with local residents gathering at its cafés and restaurants. The square is particularly noted for its excellent acoustics, making it a favoured location for small musical performances during the city's numerous cultural festivals.

Top Museums

Historical and Art Museums

Museum of Navarre

Located on the northern side of Pamplona's city walls near where the San Fermín festivities begin each July, the Museum of Navarre presents a comprehensive journey through the region's history and art. Housed in a former Renaissance hospital dating to 1556, this museum displays an impressive collection spanning from prehistoric times to the 21st century.

The building itself is noteworthy, with its Renaissance façade being the only example of civil Renaissance architecture in Pamplona. Inside, the four-storey structure houses artefacts from all historical periods, including remarkable Roman mosaics (notably the 1st-century depiction of the Triumph of Bacchus), Romanesque capitals from the old Pamplona cathedral, and medieval sculptures.

The museum's collection is particularly noted for the monumental chest of Leyre, considered a masterpiece of Islamic art. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the paintings section, which includes portraits by Francisco Goya and works by Jorge Oteiza. Following a major renovation in 2019, the museum now also showcases Navarrese artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.

University Museum of Navarra (MUN)

The University Museum of Navarra, situated on the Pamplona campus, is a contemporary art museum designed by renowned architect Rafael Moneo. Inaugurated in January 2015, this ethereal building has become a significant cultural landmark in the region.

The museum was established following the donation of Maria Josefa Huarte Beaumont's collection in 2008, which includes 49 paintings and sculptures by acclaimed artists. Visitors can admire works by Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Eduardo Chillida, Antoni Tapies, Mark Rothko, and Jorge Oteiza, among others.

Beyond its permanent collection, the MUN offers an exclusive restaurant and a small auditorium hosting a variety of performances, making it a comprehensive cultural centre.

Jorge Oteiza Museum

Located in the small town of Alzuza, approximately 8 kilometres from Pamplona, the Jorge Oteiza Museum celebrates one of the 20th century's most important sculptors. This monographic exhibition space houses Oteiza's personal collection, including 1,690 sculptures, 2,000 experimental pieces from his Chalk Laboratory, and an extensive assortment of drawings and collages.

The museum building itself, designed by architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza, is a striking large red concrete cube intended as a metaphor for Oteiza's recreated space. It incorporates the house where Jorge Oteiza lived from 1975 and sits beautifully within a rural landscape. The combination of the unique architecture, sensitive collection, and pastoral setting creates a majestic experience for visitors.

Pablo Sarasate Museum

Dedicated to the celebrated Pamplona-born violinist and composer, the Pablo Sarasate Museum is housed in the historical Palace of Condestable, the only example of 16th-century civil architecture in the city. Located just a step away from the church of San Saturnino, this museum pays tribute to Sarasate through an exhibition of his personal belongings and audiovisual tools that allow visitors to discover the life of this great master.

The building functions as a civic centre, hosting a range of cultural activities beyond the museum exhibits.

Science and History

Pamplona Planetarium

The Pamplona Planetarium serves as a cultural centre for scientific and technological dissemination. Inaugurated in November 1993, this modern building with classic proportions integrates perfectly into the Yamaguchi park, which was designed in collaboration with Japanese landscapers to honour Pamplona's twinning with the Japanese city of Yamaguchi.

One of the planetarium's most impressive features is its twenty-metre diameter dome, one of the largest in the world. The facility projects more than 20 different astronomical programmes each year, designed to convey the latest astronomical discoveries in an entertaining manner.

Adjacent to the main building is the Galaxy Garden, a unique scientific and environmental project featuring more than 500 shrubs that were sponsored and planted by various educational entities and community groups.

Interpretation Centre of the Fortifications of Pamplona

Housed in the restored Fort of San Bartolomé, this centre offers visitors insight into the evolution of Pamplona's walls and the advancement of attack and defence techniques throughout history. The centre presents information in a didactic, participative way that is accessible to different ages and abilities.

Visitors can learn about the way of life and traditions within the stronghold, and understand how Pamplona's fortifications relate to other Spanish, European, and American defensive structures.

Open Air

Taconera Gardens

While not a traditional museum, the Taconera Gardens function as an open-air exhibition space with numerous monuments and sculptures. Covering 90,000 square metres in the historic heart of Pamplona, these are the city's oldest gardens, designed in the French style in 1830.

The gardens feature various artistic works, including the monument to Julián Gayarre by Fructuoso Orduna, a bust of composer Hilarión Eslava by Juan Quevedo and León Barrenechea, and the Monument to Charity (known as 'la Mariblanca') by Julián San Martín.

Since the 1960s, a small zoo has operated in the former moat of the Taconera bastion, housing nearly 300 animals including deer, swans, peacocks, and squirrels, adding another dimension to this cultural space.

Local Cuisine

Pamplona's cuisine celebrates the bounty of Navarra's diverse landscapes. The city is renowned for its excellent vegetables, including asparagus and piquillo peppers, often stuffed with cod. Traditional dishes not to be missed include cordero al chilindrón (lamb stew with tomatoes and peppers), trucha a la Navarra (ham-stuffed trout), and ajoarriero (a cod preparation with garlic and peppers). For casual dining, sample the array of pintxos in local bars or enjoy the region's signature sausage, txistorra. During the San Fermín festival, try estofado de toro (bull stew) and start your mornings with churros dipped in hot chocolate. Complete your dining experience with Navarra's excellent wines and a glass of pacharán, the traditional sloe-flavoured liqueur that perfectly concludes any authentic meal.

Shopping

Pamplona boasts two main shopping areas: the historic centre, featuring traditional family-run shops, and the Segundo Ensanche neighbourhood. The old town is ideal for finding unique souvenirs, antiques, books, and local delicacies. Avenida Carlos III, often considered Pamplona's 'Gran Vía', is the primary shopping street, lined with a mix of long-standing establishments and popular fashion chains. For those seeking larger retail options, the city has two shopping centres on its outskirts: Parque Comercial Galaria (La Morea) and Itaroa. Typical products to purchase include San Fermín handkerchiefs, rubber giants, Navarran asparagus, leather wineskins, and local delicacies such as Pamplona chorizo, birika, and txistorra.

Nature in and around Pamplona

Pamplona is one of the greenest cities in Spain, offering numerous parks and gardens to explore. Within the city, visitors can enjoy Taconera Gardens, the city's oldest park, Parque Media Luna for a romantic stroll, and Parque Yamaguchi with its Japanese theme and planetarium. The expansive Riverside Park stretches for nearly a million square metres along the Arga, Elorz and Sadar rivers, providing 17 kilometres of pathways. Just outside Pamplona, nature enthusiasts can discover remarkable landscapes including the Irati Forest, Europe's second-largest beech forest with numerous trails, the desert-like Bardenas Reales with its unique geological formations, the turquoise waters of Nacedero del Urederra in Sierra de Urbasa, and the impressive Gorges of Lumbier and Arbaiun with their stunning limestone canyons. Other notable natural attractions include Ordesa National Park in the Pyrenees (less than three hours' drive away), and Señorío de Bértiz Natural Park.

Parks and Green Spaces

Taconera Gardens

The Taconera Gardens represent Pamplona's oldest public park, dating back to the 19th century when the space was transformed from a defensive area to a leisure garden. These French-style formal gardens feature elegant pathways, carefully trimmed hedges, and ornamental fountains. One of the park's most beloved features is its mini-zoo, where deer, peacocks, and waterfowl roam freely within the old moats of the city walls. Centuries-old trees provide shade throughout the garden, while statues of historical figures from Navarre's past add cultural significance to this peaceful retreat. The gardens seamlessly incorporate sections of the old city fortifications, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and historical architecture.

Yamaguchi Park

Created as a symbol of the sister-city relationship between Pamplona and Yamaguchi, Japan, this modern park brings a touch of Eastern aesthetics to northern Spain. Designed in collaboration with landscape architects from Japan, the park features traditional Japanese elements including ornamental ponds, stone lanterns, and carefully positioned rock arrangements. Cherry trees burst into magnificent pink blooms each spring, creating a stunning display that attracts photographers and nature lovers. The park's meditative atmosphere offers a tranquil alternative to the ancient stones of the historic centre, demonstrating Pamplona's openness to international cultural exchange.

Media Luna Park

Situated on a hillside overlooking the Arga River, Media Luna Park (Crescent Moon Park) derives its name from its distinctive curved shape. This elevated green space offers some of the best panoramic views of Pamplona and the surrounding countryside. Terraced pathways wind through groves of trees, opening onto viewpoints that showcase the city walls, the cathedral spires, and the distant mountains. The park features stone staircases, decorative balustrades, and classical-inspired architectural elements that date back to its creation in the early 20th century. For locals, this park represents a beloved recreational space where generations of Pamplona residents have come to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding their city.

Riverside Park (Parque Fluvial)

Stretching along the banks of the Arga River, this extensive green corridor has transformed former industrial areas into a natural paradise. The park encompasses nearly 17 kilometres of paths that connect various neighbourhoods of Pamplona, allowing residents and visitors to travel through the city while surrounded by nature. Ancient stone bridges cross the river at various points, some dating back to medieval times. The park includes meadows, woods, and wetland areas that support diverse wildlife, making it a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Historical elements within the park include restored mills and irrigation systems that tell the story of how the river has supported the city's development over centuries.

Getting There & Around

Pamplona offers excellent transportation options for visitors. The city's comprehensive urban bus system, locally known as "Villavesas," is operated by the Mancomunidad de la Comarca de Pamplona and features 25 daytime routes and 10 night bus services. These distinctive white, yellow and green buses make getting around the city a breeze, with a single ticket costing €1.50, though this can be reduced to €0.77 with a bus card purchased from tobacconists. For longer journeys, FlixBus connects Pamplona to 10 destinations including Barcelona and Paris, with fares starting from €14.39. The city's compact historic centre is easily walkable, but taxis are also readily available if needed. During the San Fermín festival, bus services increase considerably with some changes to prices, lines and routes.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pamplona is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic streets and lush parks. Spring offers temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C with vibrant flowers and greenery enhancing the city's picturesque charm, whilst autumn provides crisp air, colourful foliage and fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is the most popular period, particularly during the famous San Fermín Festival in early July, which features the Running of the Bulls, but expect larger crowds and temperatures reaching up to 30°C. For budget-conscious travellers, winter (December to February) offers cheaper accommodation and a quieter atmosphere, though temperatures can drop to near freezing with occasional rainfall creating a somewhat gloomy ambience.