Pamplona and its surroundings
Like all cities, Pamplona contains many different cities within its walls. Originally a Roman settlement, this feature has taken on renewed significance with the recent works carried out in the emblematic Plaza del Castillo.
A medieval city which is faithfully reflected in the layout of the different districts of the city which were later unified into one city with its still partly-standing city walls. The military city with its defensive fort – The citadel – has now been transformed into a public park with its edifices now housing art galleys and suchlike. The modern city which pulled down part of its walls in order to start its expansion towards the south side in the late XIX century, with its modernist-styled first quarter and the sober rationality of its rectangular-like second ward. And finally, the modern contemporary city, with its standard established equilibrium. A verdant city, with its many gardens, pleasurable, with its river now recently integrated into the man-made landscape along its banks.
The churches in the old quarter continue to reflect the different artistic and historical styles from earlier ages, as does the cathedral and the Town Hall edifice. In contrast there are very modern buildings such as the Planetarium and the “Baluarte” Palace Congress Building. Pamplona does not boast of any one spectacular building but rather offers the sum of all its parts as a pleasure for the senses. There are many corners of peaceful space alongside the hubbub of the commercial zones. The lively old quarter with its many bars and restaurants with their wide variety of tit-bits and snacks. The many facilities and cultural offers alongside the enjoyment of the good things of life guarantee a memorable stay.
If your visit coincides with the Sanfermin
fiestas, what could we add that is not already well-known to all.
The “Fiesta” in all its full expression of the word,
as Hemingway once defined it. For many young people from all over
the Western world the 6th of July is a fixed date on their agenda.
Navarre guide