Pamplona– More Than Bullfights

Pamplona is famous for its bullfighting event, which takes place in this town. Hemingway, a famous American author, was taken in completely with this spectacle, which happens every year in the San Fermin festival.

However, if you are not into that kind of adrenalin-flowing activity, there are always the historical aspects that this town of north Spanish culture can offer. Alternatively, there is Navarra, a magnificent mountain range with an abundance of Spanish folklore and gourmet food complete with high quality fine wines.

Highlights of Pamplona

A medieval town, with 16th century walls, adapts to the 21st century beautifully. To preserve its culture and integrity while embracing urbanization is pretty amazing.  The wide avenues lined by modern parks serve as the town’s backbone leading to the region’s ancient monuments.

Infamous bullfights

The Plaza de Toros bullring is situated at the far side of town, close to the Arga River. It is renowned as the popular bullfighting venue in Spain, especially at the San Fermin festival, where thousands flock to Pamplona for the spectacular event. These bullfights started in 1893. It was noted that this activity was Ernest Hemingway’s favorite event in Spain.

Cathedrals and Citadels

There are many impressive cathedrals in Pamplona, which are of Gothic origin, and have been built as early as 1397. There is also a resplendent, neoclassical façade from the 18th century that was built by Ventura Rodriguez. It is considered one of Spain’s most significant religious structures with its invaluable claustrum.

Right in the center is the 1415, alabastic, Kings’ Mausoleum.

Many remarkable old structures and relics, such as chapels, citadels, altars, and tombs, can be found in Pamplona and date back to the 14th century. A 16th century citadel in that area in the shape of a pentagon has been fortified and beautified with interior gardens. This venue is frequently used for holding concerts and exhibitions.

Charming medieval buildings around parks

Town wall towers, charming squares, and baroques line the serene and well kept Tejera Park where a medieval document Fuero, from 1129, has been archived at the Town Hall. At the same time, an ancient hospital with an archaic portal has been converted into a museum storing Neolithic to Gothic epochs’ remains as well as valuable wall paintings and Moorish caskets.

Further away stands Taconera Park with famous personalities’ monuments as well as a fountain from the neoclassic era, the Fountain of Neptune, which was designed and built by Luis Paret.