Things To Do In Pamplona

Although life in Pamplona often seems to revolve around the Running of the Bulls every July, the town has a charming, timeless atmosphere, which is better appreciated during other times of the year. It has a lively social scene, lovely old quarter and a handful of quiet, green parks within the city.

Plaza del Castillo

This plaza, which was originally built as a bullring in 1847, is the heart of Pamplona. The narrow streets of the towns old quarter extend outwards from three sides of the square. Pamplonas present bullring, the Plaza de Toros, is situated just to the east and south of the square. Just off the east side of the square is Calle Estafeta, the narrow street where the bulls runs during the fiesta. During the rest of the year, this charismatic street, with all of its bars and tapas cafs, attracts university students and other visitors, making it a lively hangout year-round. During the fiesta, this street is the most heavily visited spot in town, after the Plaza del Castillo itself.

The Cathedral

Simply known as the Cathedral, this is the most prominent site in Pamplona. The church dates from the late 14th century and was built on the site of a Romanesque basilica. Its Baroque and neo-classical faade was the work of Ventura Rodriguez, architect of King Charles III. The highlight of its lovely Gothic interior is the alabaster tombs of Charles III and his Castilian wife, Queen Leonor. The Cathedral also houses the Museo Diocesano, which displays religious objects from the Middle Ages through to the Renaissance period.

Museo de Navarra

Pamplonas main museum is housed in a 16th century hospital near the river. It has a rich collection of Roman artefacts, Romanesque art and beautiful 2nd century mosaics. Gothic and Renaissance paintings fill the second floor including an important Goya portrait of the Marques de San Adrian. Another highlight of the museum are the 13th century murals.

The Fiesta de San Fermin (Running of the Bulls)

Beginning exactly at noon on 6th July and continuing non-stop until 14th July, this festival is one of the most popular events in the world. Up to half a million tourists flood this small town every year and turn the whole place into a massive, raucous party. The bulls run every day at 08:00 sharp, but its best to secure your spot behind the barricades by 06:00. Daring runners get a few minutes head start before the bulls are unleashed into the narrow streets. Its an amazing spectacle. Each mornings run lasts a mere 3 minutes, as the bulls make their way into the bullring. During the evening, the big event is the bull fights, which are always sold out. If you are willing to put up with an incredibly large, mostly inebriated crowd, then you should try to experience this unique event.

Pelota matches

The Basque countrys most popular sport, called pelota or jai alai, can be watched six kilometres outside of town, at the Fronton Euskal-Jai Berri. Professional players hold games on Saturdays at 16:00 and on some Sundays and holidays. Four matches of this fast and dangerous ball game are played and tickets can be bought at any time.

Royal Palace of Olite

This truly fascinating building was the official residence of the Navarran kings until they merged with Castile in 1512. The palace was built on top of the remains of the ancient Roman Praesidium of Oligitum and underwent many transformations over the centuries that followed. One thing that makes it uniquely interesting is that it is one of the few secular Gothic buildings in Europe.

Camino de Santiago

The famous pilgrimage trail passes through Pamplona, entering at the Puente de la Magdalena in the northeast of the city. You can walk a portion of it by entering the walls through the Portal de Francia and visiting the Cathedral, Plaza Consistorial and the Church of San Saturnino. Cross the Puente de Zizur, and there are another 700kms to the end of the trail.

Tejera Park

This lovely green park is situated close to the most monumental area of Pamplona. Here you can admire the towers of the old walls, the square of Plaza de Santa Maria la Real and the Baroque Archieopiscopal Palais. The ancient walls will lead you to Puerta de Zumalacarregui, one of the original six gates to the town and Santo Domingo Park, another relaxing green area to explore.