Coliving Pamplona surroundings

Pamplona Tradition, Encierros and Historical Heritage

Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, is famous for the San Fermín running of the bulls in July, where runners challenge the bulls in the streets. It is also a key stop on the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela and has a rich Gothic heritage, such as the fortified church of San Nicolás.

Discover the historic charm of Pamplona

A stroll through the old quarter of Pamplona is to immerse yourself in centuries of history among cobbled streets and emblematic buildings. A good place to start is the Plaza del Castillo, the nerve centre of the city and the scene of its major celebrations. There, you can enjoy a coffee on its terraces before continuing on to the majestic Cathedral of Santa María la Real. This impressive Gothic temple stands out for its stained glass windows and altarpieces, an architectural jewel that is well worth a visit. Pamplona is living history at every turn.

St. Nicholas of Bari Church

Discover an architectural jewel with centuries of history: this church-fortress, begun in the 12th century, fuses styles from different periods, reflecting its evolution in every detail. Its imposing south façade shows longitudinal bodies with various openings: rectangular windows, semicircular arches and pointed arches. A majestic portal, framed by a pointed arch and protected by a grille, invites you to admire its splendour. An oculus stands out in its structure, accompanied by elegant upper openings, while a cross crowns the building. Its square tower with a pyramidal top reinforces its defensive essence and monumental character.

Castillo Square

The Plaza del Castillo, the epicentre of Pamplona, combines history and charm with its 18th-century architecture, including the Palacio de Navarra and the iconic central kiosk. Inspired by Hemingway, it is home to landmarks such as the Hotel La Perla and Café Iruña. Connected to the most famous streets of the old town, it is a lively meeting point. Perfect to visit at any time of day, this square captures the essence of the city and offers an unforgettable experience for tourists and locals alike. Discover its magic!

A journey through history in Pamplona's city walls

A walk along the walls of Pamplona is an essential experience to enjoy panoramic views and discover its historical legacy. The route can begin at the Citadel, accessing the walls through the Puerta del Socorro or the Puerta del Camino, both of which have steps leading to the walled promenade. The route ends at the Santa Engracia Bridge, which connects with the Taconera Park, an ideal place to relax in the gardens or to continue exploring the city. A walk that combines history, nature and unbeatable views.

Pamplona in fiesta: Tradition, culture and fun for everyone

The Sanfermines, held in July, are Pamplona’s most iconic event, transforming the city into a sea of red and white in honour of San Fermín, patron saint of Navarre. For the little ones, the San Fermín Txikito is held in September, with parades, big-heads and music. If you are looking for alternatives, Pamplona offers events such as the Medieval Fair, which revives its past with a traditional market, or the festival of San Blas, on 3 February, with processions and cultural activities.

The Pamplona Bullring: History, Culture and Tradition

A symbol of the city, the Bullring houses the Bull Run and Sanfermines Theme Centre, an ideal place to get to know this festival out of season. Open to the public, it also hosts exhibitions of interest. Near the bullring is the bust of Ernest Hemingway, who immortalised the Sanfermines in his novel Fiesta. His links with Pamplona made the bullring a point of reference for lovers of literature and bullfighting culture.

Cathedral of Santa María La Real

Built between the 14th and 15th centuries on the site of an ancient Romanesque temple, the Cathedral of Santa María la Real combines a neoclassical façade with an impressive Gothic interior. Inside, the sepulchre of Charles III and his wife, a Gothic cloister of great value and the diocesan museum stand out. At 11:15, it is possible to climb the bell tower María and enjoy unique views of Pamplona. Admission costs 5 euros and opening hours vary according to the season.

Café Iruña and Hemingway's legacy in Pamplona

The emblematic Café Iruña, famous for having been Hemingway’s favourite spot while he was writing Fiesta, is an essential visit in Pamplona. A few steps away, the Gran Hotel La Perla preserves the room where the writer stayed on his last trips, maintaining its original decoration. If available, it is possible to visit it. Both the café and the hotel form part of the city’s literary history, offering a journey back in time through their unique atmospheres.

Yamaguchi´s Park

If you are looking for a break in the heart of nature, Pamplona offers ideal spots. Yamaguchi Park, with its Japanese design, captivates with ponds and sculptures that evoke Japanese culture. For history lovers, the Taconera Gardens, the oldest park in the city, combine nature and cultural heritage. If you prefer a romantic atmosphere, the Parque de la Media Luna, with its impeccable gardens and serene views, is perfect for an unforgettable stroll. Either of these spaces offers a green break in the heart of the city.

The essential pintxos of Pamplona

Pamplona offers an exquisite variety of pintxos, especially the grilled duck foie gras with Pedro Ximénez reduction. Also popular are the cod casseroles with ajo arriero garlic and pochas a la navarra, as well as the classic piquillo peppers stuffed with cod, prawns or seafood. Among the most popular are the «aperitivos de bechamel», where this creamy sauce accompanies mushrooms, eggs, mussels or cheeses. There is no shortage of traditional fried foods, such as fritters and croquettes with innovative fillings, which turn every bite into an authentic gastronomic experience.

Photo courtesy of barcelo.com