Top 10 Best Attractions you Should Visit in Pamplona, Spain

Pamplona located in the north of Spain, nearby to the French border. Its name associated with the most famous Running of the Bulls Festival, but actually, there are many things to discover in this city including medieval walls, a gothic cathedral, spacious squares, and museums.

Here is our list of the top 10 best attractions you should visit in Pamplona.

1- Museum University of Navarra:

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The Museum University of Navarra covering 11,000 m2, planed by Rafael Moneo, and sites in the natural setting of the campus of the Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. It contains two collections, one of the photographs and the other of contemporary art.

In 2008, María Josefa Huarte, made a generous donation consists of around 50 paintings and sculptures, including pieces by renowned artists such as Kandinsky, Picasso, Tàpies, Chillida, and Oteiza. Besides, the museum has a general exhibition area and offers facilities for theatrical and congress uses, an auditorium that seats over 700 people, rooms for exhibitions and projections, workshops, a restaurant and cafeteria, and a shop.

2- Pamplona cathedral:

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The Pamplona Cathedral is close to the Plaza del Castillo just inside the old town walls of the Casco Viejo. The cathedral dates back to the 6th century. Built on the site of a Romanesque church and maintained the Romanesque crypt.

Moreover, the cathedral mixes many architectural styles including an attractive Neoclassical facade and twin towers, which soar high above the town. Also from the Romanesque era, a magnificent Virgin Mary figure dates back to the 12th-century, which presided over the baptisms and coronations of the Navarre kings.

Inside the grandiose Gothic sanctuary is an impressive choir. Also the alabaster tomb of Charles III, the Noble and his wife Leonora de Trastámara by the Flemish master Jean de Lomme. The Capilla Mayor exhibits an exquisite Gothic Retablo created in 1507 with fine sculptural details.

The Diocesan Museum is held in rooms opening off the cloister. There are rooms that include the cathedral’s treasury with a 13th-century Gospel book, a French reliquary of the Holy Sepulcher, the Lignum Crucis, sacred art paintings, and sculptures. And the other exhibits a carving of the Maiden and the Unicorn on the lector’s pulpit.

 

3- Navarra Museum:

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Navarra Museum is the most allegorical Museum of Pamplona, Spain. Besides, it’s taking place in an ancient pilgrims’ hospital that dates back to 1556. The museum exhibits a magnificent collection of extraordinary artwork from prehistoric archaeological objects to 19th-century fine arts.

The collection of old Roman artifacts, old Moorish treasures, and medieval religious paintings offer intuition into Pamplona’s early history. It is home to archeological remains that witnesses the presence of the Romans in the city.

 

4- Plaza del Castillo:

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Plaza Del Castillo is an imposing central square of Pamplona’s old town. It holds some impressive architecture, restaurants, and street performances. Besides, The Plaza del Castillo is used for public events, concerts, religious processions, and markets. Today it is a famous square in Pamplona, Spain for meetings between friends.

Moreover, in the center of the square is a raised bandstand with a dome supported by Greek-style columns. Preceding to the bandstand there was a fountain decorated with Luis Paret’s statue of Mariblanca, located in Parque de la Teconera. During the day, the square is an animated scene, where children play and all ages get together to socialize.

 

5- Palacio de Navarra:

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Palacio de Navarra you can find it just a few steps from the south corner of the Plaza del Castillo square. This magnificent 19th-century neoclassical palace is open to the public. Besides, it holds the Provincial Council (Diputación Foral), the administrative offices of the regional government.

The palace impresses visitors with its luxurious decorated Throne Room and exceptional works of art that contains a portrait of Ferdinand VII by Goya and a 13th-century tapestry depicting the Las Navas de Tolosa battle.

 

6- Iglesia de San Nicolás:

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The Iglesia de San Nicolás built in the 12th century with Romanesque style. The church was constructed for defensive purposes but was destroyed during a Castilian invasion of the town. Most of the church’s interior was renovated in Gothic style, with an inspiring vaulted nave and exquisite stained-glass windows.

Take a step inside the church to see its mostly Gothic interior. Study the statues, including the 17th-century carvings of Santa Lucía and San Sebastián. View the early 18th-century Altarpiece of Santa Ana and the ornate altarpieces such as the Baroque-style of San Ramón Nonato.

The church celebrates the Fiesta de San Blas each year on 3rd February. As well, the visitors can taste special regional desserts like Roscos, caramel candies, and Piperropiles.

 

7- Monumento al Encierro:

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Monumento al Encierro was created by Bilbao sculptor Rafael Huerta Celaya in 1994. Located near to the Plaza de Toros in Pamplona, Spain. This sculpture illustrates a dramatic bullfight, which is the emblematic sport of Pamplona.

The design contains 9 bulls and 11 runners that appears to magically freeze for the moment in time while still capturing motion. Each character is expressing an emotion, viewers can easily relate to the fear of the courageous runners trying to escape from the bulls.

 

8 – Plaza de Toros:

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The Bullring of Pamplona is The Plaza de Toros located on the Paseo de Hemingway. The Plaza de Toros hosts the bullfighting events during the fiesta de San Fermin, and it has a capacity for 20,000 spectators.

 

9 – The Baluarte Conference Center and Auditorium:

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The Baluarte Conference Center and Auditorium were constructed by the architect Patxi Mangado. This beautiful sleek, modern, granite-faced building hosts conferences and cultural events throughout the year.

The conference center is situated in the heart of Pamplona, between the Citadel and a bustling shopping district. Besides, the building has two auditoriums the first, is the Main Auditorium (Symphony Hall), which stages music concerts, classical ballet, dance, opera and theater performances. Second, is the smaller Chamber Music Hall for smaller-scale events.

 

10- La Taconera Park:

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La Taconera is the most imposing park in Pamplona, Spain, created in 1830. Besides, it is located near the old quarter of the city. In this park, visitors discover the old walls and gardens that extend 100,000 square meters.

Moreover, the park contains various tree plantations like flowers and trees. Also, you can discover fountains, statues and monuments. Also, it contains a zoo that includes different animals like ducks, goats, pheasants, rabbits, swans, peacocks and more.

La Taconera Park offers many services like a café, a play area for kids and young adults, with a fountain for drinking water. The picturesque beauty of the park makes it a must-visit in the city of Pamplona.