Information about Pamplona
Pamplona, also known as Iruña, is the capital of Navarre (or Nafarroa). A place of Basque foundation, a people whose descendants still preserve the ancient pre-Indo-European language: Euskera.
Pamplona is a beautiful city full of heritage and with a great festival of the caliber of the San Fermines. However, what will make you fall in love with the city the most are its people and its atmosphere.
What to see and do in Pamplona
The walls and the Citadel
Visiting the fortification surrounding the old town is a must for all visitors. These star-shaped walls are catalogued as one of the best examples of Renaissance military architecture in Spain. Take your time to enjoy this 5 kilometre walk through walls, gates and battlements.
One thing that will surprise you is that this defensive area of the city is perfectly integrated into the daily life of the people of Pamplona. There are even lifts that connect the space outside the city walls with the old town next to the city walls.
The town hall square
It is the place that comes to mind when we think of Pamplona. From the balconies of the town hall, the chupinazo is celebrated, which starts the San Fermin festival on the 6th of July. This event is a truly spectacular thing because it brings a lot of people together in a square that is not that big. When you see the square with your own eyes you will be amazed when you remember the images of the event on television. The most important thing in the square is the Casa Consistorial building, a spectacular building with an ornate facade that combines baroque and neoclassical styles.
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real
This cathedral is a beautiful potpourri of architectural styles. Its construction began in Romanesque style, associated with the pilgrimages of the French Way in the 11th century. Later the plan was modified to the Gothic style, in which the cathedral was finished. Finally, the main doorway was built in neoclassical style. Inside, this picturesque building contains one of the most beautiful Gothic cloisters in Spain.
The Castle Square
It is the mythical arcaded square of the photos, with the classic circular box in the middle. Here you will find the historic Café Iruña, frequented throughout its long history by personalities of the stature of Ernest Hemingway. The colorful buildings that enclose the square date back to the 18th century.
Yamaguchi Park
A walk through this park will transport you to Japan. This green space was designed by Japanese landscape architects and has all the typical elements of Japanese gardens. It is 85,000 m² full of native vegetation and Japanese ornaments.
The San Fermines and San Fermin Txikito
The San Fermines are a festival of International Tourist Interest. A week of fiestas, running of the bulls and celebrations in which the city is dressed in red and white. It is a multitudinous event and normally to visit the city on these dates you should book your accommodation well in advance.
Then, at the end of September there are the San Fermín Txikito fiestas . A celebration that is not as multitudinous as its big sister, but during which the city also dresses up to celebrate. There are plenty of performances, brass bands, open-air dances and a good atmosphere.
