2025 Pamplona Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Navarra Located on the fertile plains of the Arga River. In the streets and squares of the Old Town you’ll find a range of striking landmarks, most notably the churches and the medieval city walls. Pamplona-Iruca is a city where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. One theory is that around 1000 BC, the Basques (Vascones) established an early settlement beneath the present-day city, which they called Iruña, which means "city" in Basque. Later, in 75 BC, the Roman general Pompey founded the city of Pompeii. The city grew in importance with the establishment of the Kingdom of Pamplona-Iruca in the 10th century AD. During the reign of Sancho III the Magnificent (11th century), the current route of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage passed through Navarre, a development that shaped the city’s urban landscape and the course of its history. A visit to the capital of Navarra begins with a visit to the Pamplona-Iruca district, a group of neighborhoods with medieval origins that formed the basis of the current city center. The site of the present-day town hall was the site of the old Jewish quarter, which resulted in the amalgamation of three settlements. The town hall was built in 1752 and its stately Baroque facade still stands today. Next to the Town Hall you can admire the Gothic Church of San Saturnino or the Church of San Sernin, both built in the 13th century. Its two towers were formerly topped with battlements, indicating its former defensive function. Above the ancient cloister stands the Baroque church of Our Lady of Camino, the co-patron saint of the city. Pamplona Old Town is a great place to try the various Navarran cuisines. In any of the restaurants you can taste classic products from rural Navarra – like asparagus, picchilo peppers and beans. Lamb, either grilled or served with chilindrón sauce, is the most representative dish, always accompanied by a good wine with the Navarra designation of origin and finished with pacharán (a traditional anise-flavored liqueur) as dessert. To get to know Pamplona-Iruca and its inhabitants in full festive spirit, it is essential to visit the city during the San Fermin Festival (July 6-14), which is declared an International Tourist Attraction. One of the main attractions of these patron saint festivals is the running of the bulls (a tradition in which people run in front of bulls), which starts at the Obelisk of Santo Domingo and continues along Mercaderes Street, turns to Estafeta Street and ends at the bullring. However, it is best to be in good shape before participating and take certain precautions, such as entering only through designated entrances and running only part of the route to avoid angering the bulls. During the festive period, it is very important to book your accommodation in advance. Parador Príncipe de Viana is located in the historic medieval town of Olite, 45 km from the capital of Navarra. The hotel is located next to a 15th century palace castle, which has been declared a national monument for its famous towers and battlements. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel

Pyrenees Adventure in Spain ~ Navarre Autonomous Community The Navarre Museum, located in the former Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Pamplona, is one of the city's main cultural landmarks. The museum houses a rich and diverse collection spanning from prehistoric times to the contemporary era, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant history of the Navarre region through its precious artistic and archaeological works. The building itself is a gem, blending historical and modern architecture. Its stone façade retains elements of the 16th-century hospital, while the interior has been adapted to contemporary museum design, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience as visitors move between rooms. This fusion of past and present within the museum's structure reflects the essence of the place: a space that preserves and celebrates history while looking toward the future. The museum features a curated selection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, including works by great artists such as Francisco de Goya. As the tour progresses, rooms dedicated to modern and contemporary periods offer insights into the latest artistic trends, with a particular focus on Navarre artists and avant-garde movements of the 20th century. This blend of local and global perspectives highlights how Navarre has remained connected to major European artistic currents over the centuries. In addition to its permanent collection, the Navarre Museum is renowned for its temporary exhibitions, which often delve into themes related to contemporary art, archaeology, or local history, further enriching the city's cultural offerings. In summary, the Navarre Museum is a must-visit destination for those seeking to delve into the region's historical and artistic heritage. Its extensive collection, combined with its modern yet welcoming spaces, makes it an ideal spot for art enthusiasts and anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the captivating history of Navarre.

A Journey to the Pyrenees in Spain - Navarre Autonomous Community This building was constructed around the 13th century using stone and features pointed arches. Several pointed arch windows with cylindrical mullions and decorative capitals have been preserved. The site includes a picturesque courtyard where the archaeological remains of Saint Nicholas Hermitage were discovered. In 1524, the building was acquired by King Charles V of Navarre to serve as the headquarters of the Comptos Chamber. After the Comptos archives disappeared, the documents were transferred to the General Archive of Navarre. The building was later occupied by the Committee of Artistic and Historical Monuments, which established the Navarre Museum here, completed in 1919. From 1941 to 1994, the building housed the Prince of Viana Institution. Since 1995, it has been restored to serve as the headquarters of the Comptos Chamber once again.

Spanish Pyrenees Adventure ~ Navarre Autonomous Community Goyeneche Palace, also known as Esteleta Palace, is an architectural gem located on Calle Mayor in Pamplona, serving as a symbolic site of the city's old town. Built in the 18th century, this palace is a prime example of Navarrese Baroque civil architecture. Its grand facade, adorned with wrought iron balconies and decorative stone elements, stands out among neighboring buildings, evoking the elegance and power of the nobility who once resided in the city. Esteleta Palace has witnessed centuries of history, having been home to many prominent families over the years, which has endowed it with significant heritage and cultural value. Despite undergoing multiple restorations to maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, the building has preserved its historical character and remains a key reference point for visitors interested in Pamplona's architectural heritage. Beyond its aesthetic allure, its location on Calle Mayor, one of the oldest and busiest streets in the old town, makes it a must-visit destination for exploring the historic center. It stands as a testament to Pamplona's architectural splendor over the centuries.

Pyrenees Adventure in Spain - Navarre Region Although it is known as the Church of San Saturnino, it is more famously referred to as the Church of San Cernin. Despite a wedding about to take place in this church, visitors can still enter and admire the architectural beauty of both its exterior and interior. The church features two altars: one dedicated to Our Lady of Camino, the patron saint of Pamplona, and the other to the Holy Trinity. Each altar is stunningly beautiful. If you pass through Pamplona, the old town is a must-visit area, and this church is conveniently located right next to the City Hall.

The Pyrenees Adventure in Spain – Navarre Autonomous Community The archive houses documents dating back to the 9th century, making it an invaluable resource for studying the history of Navarre and, in many cases, even the Iberian Peninsula. Founded by King Charles III in 1423, the archive was initially intended to preserve the documents of the Kingdom of Navarre. Over the centuries, it has expanded through the integration of various collections, including administrative, judicial, and ecclesiastical records, as well as documents related to nobility and royalty. These collections reflect the complex history of this ancient kingdom, from its independence to its integration with the Castilian monarchy in the 16th century. The building housing the archive is equally historic, having been restored in the 1990s by renowned architect Rafael Moneo. The design blends modernity with medieval elements, preserving the essence of the old San Miguel Hospital where the archive is located. The restoration successfully transformed the space into a fully functional and accessible venue without compromising its heritage value. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Navarre Archive is its accessibility. Despite the age and value of its contents, the archive is open to the public, researchers, and scholars, allowing them to access a wealth of historical documents. Additionally, significant progress has been made in digitizing many of its collections, enabling remote access to its resources. The Navarre Royal Archive is not only a guardian of the past but also a bridge to the future for those seeking to explore the roots of the region and Spain's history.

An 800-year-old castle in the small Spanish city of Pamplona… still guarded by the inhabitants of Soju!

📍Urgent Business Travel 🚩From Morocco to Pamplona, ​​Spain (via Madrid) 🏖️Landmark: A small city with a long history on the San Piano pilgrimage route 🚇Transportation: Car 📷Photo Spot: Devil's Street 🍜Recommended Restaurant: Devil's Street The most crowded restaurant in Chogo is only one restaurant 🏠Recommended Accommodation: Occidental 💡Notes

#europetrip Spain, located in southwestern Europe, is a country rich in cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and vibrant traditions. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the picturesque beaches of Barcelona, Spain offers a myriad of experiences for travelers. Explore the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona's Sagrada Família or delve into the Moorish heritage of Alhambra in Granada. Indulge in culinary delights such as tapas and paella while savoring local wines in lively markets and quaint bodegas. Immerse yourself in flamenco rhythms in Seville or witness the vibrant festivities of Pamplona's Running of the Bulls. Spain's blend of ancient history, artistic treasures, and modern charm ensures an unforgettable journey through one of Europe's most captivating destinations.

Pamplona is located in the north of Spain. It is famous for the running of the bulls. There are many bars and restaurants in the city. You can taste Basque pintxos #Christmas #Pamplona

When I got up at five in the morning, I found that the Spaniards didn't sleep at all. The whole street was full of people. I don't know if the cows saw such a scene and dared to chase them. The route of Ben Niu is 849 meters in lightning shape, which has been a route that has not changed for many years, from the pasture outside the city to the bullring in the city. At the Bulls Day, safety is at the top of the list. Therefore, there are also many regulations. For example, if you are drunk, you can't participate in the running cow, you can't wear slippers, you can't take mobile phones and cameras, and you can't bring your child to the route. If the police see you breaking the rules, they will take you away. In order to be on the safe side, there is a very professional team of doctors who are always ready. In addition, it is very important to respect animals at the Bulls Day. If the cowherd sees you hitting a cow, pulling the tail of a cow, or pulling his horn, they are rude to you. So the bull and the bullfight are completely different. The bull is very popular, but most people in Spain don't like bullfighting because everyone feels that the bullfight is very cruel and bloody.