Pamplona And Taconera Gardens

Pamplona, located in the north of Spain, is known the world over for its Festival of San Fermin and, more importantly, the famous Running of the Bulls. But there is more to Pamplona than this one week-long festival. It has a rich history and many other attractions for tourists.

Pamplona, founded in the year 74 B. C. by General Pompey as the city of Pompaelo, has become one of the most important towns in the Basque territory. It is part of the French route of the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage undertaken by many of the faithful as well as regular tourists.

It runs from the French border to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella in northwestern Spain above Portugal where St. James is said to be buried. It is also home to a number of beautiful Gothic cathedrals and some marvelous museums and parks. One such park is named the Taconera Gardens.

With around 90,000 square meters of land, the world famous Taconera Gardens are located near the Old Quarter of the city of Pamplona. They can be found in the city plans as far back as 1719. There are many different pedestrian-only routes through these gardens, each a unique blend of trees, flowers and sculptures.

There is also a mini-zoo located in this park in the areas around the moat along the old city walls. You can find deer, peacocks and various waterfowl living in an almost wild state in these areas. You can watch these animals from a couple of vantage points located above the zoo.

The statue of the Mariblanca, the White Virgin, is located in the gardens and has been there since the late 1700’s. It is the best-loved symbol of the city. And last, but not least, located in the park is the Fountain of Neptune, a beautiful fountain made in the Neoclassical style.

There are many other sights to see in Pamplona. The Cathedral of Pamplona, built between 1397 and 1530, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with a Neoclassical façade and is one of the most important religious buildings in the entire country.

There is also the Citadel, a building in the shape of a pentagon which is used for concerts and exhibitions and contains more beautiful gardens. Three of the four original city walls, impressive structures built in the 16th century, still stand and can be used as a point of orientation while in the city.

Finally there are two wonderful museums in Pamplona, the Museo de Navarre documenting the archaeological and artistic history of the region and the Museo Diocesano in the Cathedral which houses the beautiful religious art of the area.