Pamplona

The old town of Pamplona was settled in Roman times and did not expand until 1890. It is a pedestrian zone at the highest point of the city. The layout is medieval with irregular blocks and narrow but deep buildings, with vertical gaps between them. The housing is dense and the population is aging. Many of the buildings are in need of repair which is being undertaken. There are several bazaars and restaurants in the area. It is still a commercial hub and increasingly, a tourist and leisure center. The central point is the Plaza del Castillo and many of the city's monument are in the old town.

The walls were built in 1423 incorporating and protecting the three boroughs that made up Pamplona. In 1512 it became a strategic border outpost as a defense against the French. In 1571, the Citadel was built, reinforcing the walls with many bastions. The walls also prevented the town from expanding until 1888 when permission was granted to remove two bastions. In 1925, the southern wall was demolished. Three quarters of the wall has been conserved. Visitors can view the history at the Interpretive Center. There are two walks, along the upper and the lower parts.

The Citadel and the Vuelta del Castillo, the area surrounding it form a large open space in the city of Pamplona. The citadel was built in 1571, as a border defense against constant incursions by the French. It is one of the finest examples of military architecture in Spain. It was pentagonal with a bastion at each point. It was only taken once, briefly in 1808, during a snowstorm. The area is now a park with gardens and fountains, which serves as an exhibition area for contemporary art and sculptures. Cultural events and festivities, such as fireworks displays are held at the Citadel.

The center is situated in five barracks in a small impenetrable fort within the city walls. The barracks have been converted into display areas depicting the evolution of the fortifications, the strategies and tactics employed, the human side of fortress life and other Spanish fortresses. The center makes use of interactive displays, audiovisuals, photographs, texts and drawings to tell the story of the walls and citadel. Graffiti etched by soldiers on duty has been conserved. From the center, visitors begin the 5 km walk along the city walls. Signposts along the way explain the various features.

The 15th century building with its 18th century facade is thought to be the third church to stand on the site. The French Gothic cloisters date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. It is a functioning Roman Catholic church and is the home of the bishop. The Cathedral has hosted marriages, coronations and funerals since the Middle Ages. Royalty, nobility and clergy are buried there. The music chapel, likewise, dates back to Medieval days and performs 50-60 times a year, during regular services and concerts, as well as nationally and internationally. The Museum of the Diocese has artwork from many abandoned churches of Navarre.

Curia Street s / n. 31001 Pamplona, Phone: +34-948-21-25-94

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Plaza del Castillo (The Castle Square of Pamplona) is the hub of Pamplona. For centuries it has been a popular meeting place and the home of important events, including the Pamplona bullfight. It is the iconic center of historic downtown. It was not formed as a result of city planning so it is an imperfect rectangle with many alleyways leading off it. Buildings of various heights, styles and periods face onto it. Its name was briefly changed to Plaza del Constuticion in 1820 and Plaza del Republica in 1873 and 1931. In the early 21st century it was remodeled and made into a pedestrian zone.

Navarra Museum seeks to preserve and promote the heritage and history of the Foral Community. It was opened to the public in 1910 and moved to its present premises, the former Hospital of Our Lady of Mercy in 1956, next to the city walls in the northwest sector of the old town. Archaeological findings on the site date back to Roman times. The museum has artifacts from the Roman, Spanish Muslim, Romanesque and Gothic eras, including art, mosaics, murals and portraits. The capitals of the Cathedral cloisters are kept in the museum. The museum hosts cultural programs and educational workshops.

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

These 9 ha gardens were first mentioned in 1719. They are the oldest and most beautiful gardens in Pamplona. Ancient trees and floral species line the broad pathways. The moat is home to free range deer, peacocks, ducks, pheasants and swans which can be viewed from above. Sculptures, fountains and triumphal arches add structural interest. The iconic Mariblanca statue, signifying abundance, is situated in the park. Monuments commemorate local 19th century musical celebrities. Benches and cafés provide places to relax and there is a play area for children. Dogs are welcome at Taconera Gardens.

This Baroque / Neoclassical building faces the Plaza Consistorial, a small square in the heart of the old quarter of Pamplona. The building has been renovated on several occasions and was demolished in 1951 with only the facade remaining. Ionic, Doric and Corinthian columns hold up the balconies on the four-story building. The pediment depicts Fame, the one who heralds festivals. She is holding the coats of arms of Navarra and Pamplona. In the middle is a clock. Every year on 6 July at noon, all eyes are on the clock when the Fiesta of San Fermin begins.

The Fiesta of San Fermin began as a tribute to the martyred first bishop of Pamplona. The original date was in October but autumn weather is not conducive to celebration so the festival was moved to July. The religious authorities opposed the festival for many years as it became less about the saint and more about consumption of fun, food and strong beverages. The running of the bulls is one of the founding events of the week-long festivities. The procession of the 160 year old Giants and Bigheads was added in the 19th century. The festival became an international event after Ernest Hemingway wrote about it in 'The Sun Also Rises'.