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You may have missed the famous San Fermin Bull Running in Pamplona but is it still worth a visit? The answer is definately yes. Although life in Pamplona often seems to revolve around this famous Fiesta 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.
Pamplona has captured the imagination of many a visitor to Spain. The capital city of the region of Navarre, Pamplona is traditionally also seen as the capital of the Basque country and is thus a special place of interest for Basque nationalists. Plaza del Castillo
This plaza, which was originally built as a bullring in 1847, is the heart of Pamplona. The narrow streets of the town’s old quarter extend outwards from three sides of the square. Just off the east side of the square is Calle Estafeta, the narrow street where the bulls run during the fiesta. During the rest of the year, this charismatic street, with all of its bars and tapas cafés, attracts university students and other visitors, making it a lively hangout all year-round. 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 façade 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
Pamplona’s main museum is housed in a 16th century hospital near the river. It has a rich collection of Roman artefacts, Romanesque art, beautiful 2nd century mosaics and 13th century murals. Gothic and Renaissance paintings fill the second floor including an important Goya portrait of the Marques de San Adrian. 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 if you like and continue on 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. Pelota matches
The Basque country’s 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.
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