Pamplona: The fortified heartbeat of the Citadel and its embrace of history

Pamplona needs no introduction: it is a city with character, history and an energy that sets it apart. For many, it is the place where bulls run through the streets during the Sanfermines. For others, it is an essential stop on the Camino de Santiago. But there is something that all travellers who visit it should discover: the Citadel of Pamplona. This ancient military fortification, now converted into a green lung and cultural centre, is the quiet jewel of a vibrant city. A place where the past breathes within centuries-old walls and the present moves to the rhythm of exhibitions, concerts and walks among ancient trees. Join us to discover not only the Citadel, but also the secrets that make Pamplona one of the most fascinating cities in northern Spain.

A five-pointed fortress: the Citadel of Pamplona

Built in the 16th century by order of Philip II, the Citadel of Pamplona was conceived as a strategic defence against France. Its five-pointed star design is one of the finest examples of Renaissance military architecture in Europe. Behind this perfect geometry lie centuries of history: sieges, wars and also long periods of peace in which the fortress was relegated to oblivion… until its rebirth. Today, the Citadel of Pamplona no longer watches over enemies, but welcomes visitors, children playing, artists exhibiting their work and travellers looking for a quiet corner in the heart of the city.

Its interior is full of gardens, cobbled paths, historic pavilions, moats and contemporary sculptures that coexist among the stone and nature. One of the most striking features is that the original walls are in excellent condition, allowing visitors to walk around them and enjoy unique views of the city and its surroundings. The bastions of Santa María, Santiago and San Antón are still standing, as is the main entrance gate, flanked by a drawbridge.

The Citadel as a cultural space

The city received a historic site covering 275,840 square metres, including the vast outer grounds known as the Vuelta del Castillo, the largest green area in Pamplona, which, paradoxically, had remained undeveloped for centuries for defensive reasons. One of the great successes of Pamplona City Council was to transform the Citadel into a living space. What was once a symbol of military control and resistance has now become one of the most active cultural centres in Navarre. Throughout the year, contemporary art exhibitions, educational activities, workshops, craft markets, festivals and open-air shows are held here.

The Sala de Armas (Arms Room), the Sala de Exposiciones (Exhibition Hall), the Polvorín (Powder Magazine) and the Pabellón de Mixtos (Mixed Pavilion) are some of the buildings that are now used as cultural venues. And best of all, admission is free, so you can come in, enjoy the art and sit under the centuries-old trees without paying a penny. It is not uncommon to see concerts at sunset, film screenings in summer or families strolling peacefully through the gardens. If you are looking for a different experience in Pamplona, the Citadel is a place where time seems to stand still. During the San Fermín festivities, the site takes on a special role, serving as the stage for the spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky.

Practical information for your visit

If you are planning to visit the Citadel of Pamplona, it is important to check the opening hours so you don’t find the gates closed. The park is open every day of the week, although opening times vary depending on the day: Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 9.30 pm; Saturdays from 8 am; and Sundays and public holidays from 9 am, with the same closing time every day. However, during the San Fermín festival, it is closed to the public, specifically from 4 to 21 July.

On the other hand, if, in addition to strolling among its bastions, you are interested in enjoying an exhibition in its interior rooms, you will need to adjust your visit. These are open from Tuesday to Saturday in the morning (from 11:30 to 13:30) and in the afternoon (from 18:00 to 20:30). On Sundays and public holidays, they are only open in the morning, and on Mondays they are closed. If you need assistance or have any questions, please call 948 420 975.

Pamplona beyond the Sanfermines

It is impossible to talk about Pamplona without mentioning its most famous festival. The Sanfermines, held from 6 to 14 July, attract thousands of people from all over the world every year who want to experience the adrenaline rush of the bull runs, the music in the streets and the non-stop party atmosphere. The encierro, an 800-metre race in front of the bulls that ends in the bullring, is the most iconic and dangerous event, with a tradition dating back centuries.

However, the festivities also have a more endearing side, with the Comparsa de gigantes, eight kings of the continents who, with their kilikis and zaldikos, dance through the streets to the sound of bagpipes and chistularis, a spectacle that thrills Pamplona’s residents and visitors alike. However, Pamplona is much more than those eight frenetic days. Far from the hustle and bustle of the Sanfermines, the city offers an impressive historical heritage, a cuisine that blends tradition and avant-garde, and corners where silence and calm reign supreme.

The medieval heart: Pamplona’s old town

Although the Citadel marks the nerve centre of this article, Pamplona is much more than its walls. It is a city where the old and the new coexist in surprising harmony. Its civil and religious architecture tells stories of power, faith and community.

Among the must-see sights in the historic centre are:

• Santa María Cathedral: In the religious sphere, Santa María Cathedral is the most important Gothic building in Navarre, a majestic temple that houses the mausoleum of Charles III and his wife, and before whose altar the kings of Navarre swore their oath of office.

• Surrounding it, the churches of San Saturnino and San Nicolás retain their medieval fortress character, with defensive towers that recall the turbulent history of the burgos.

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• The Plaza del Castillo: the social heart of Pamplona, this is an urban space par excellence that has been a bullring, the scene of major events and is now a meeting point surrounded by eclectic buildings, where the iconic Café Iruña has witnessed countless conversations, even with Ernest Hemingway himself.

• The Town Hall: In the old town, with its 18th-century Baroque façade, it stands at the confluence of the old burgos. From its balcony, the legendary chupinazo is fired, marking the start of the Sanfermines.

• The Palace of Navarre, seat of the regional government, is a neoclassical gem with a garden that houses a hundred-year-old sequoia tree brought from America.

A stop on the Way

Pamplona is one of the major stops on the French Way of Saint James, and its history is closely linked to pilgrims.

Even today, it is common to see backpacks, dusty boots and stamped credentials in its streets. The passage of walkers has left its mark on the architecture, the pilgrims’ hospitals and the local hospitality. If you are walking the Camino or simply want to experience a symbolic section, there is no better place to do so than Pamplona.

Green, how I love you: parks and walls

Pamplona is one of the greenest cities in Spain, another of its hallmarks, with one tree for every two inhabitants. In addition to the Citadel, which serves as a central park, the city has several natural areas surrounding the urban centre.

• La Taconera: the oldest park in the city, with its unique ‘zoo’ of deer, peacocks and ducks that can be seen from the moat gates.
• La Media Luna: overlooking the Arga River and the Magdalena neighbourhood.
• El Parque del Arga, which follows the course of the river and offers kilometres of walks along the water.
• The Yamaguchi Park, an oriental-style garden symbolising the twinning of the city with the Japanese city of the same name, is home to the Pamplona Planetarium, a science centre with one of the largest projection domes in the world.

These spaces make Pamplona an ideal city to explore on foot or by bike, perfect for those who want to combine culture and nature.

Navarran cuisine: flavours with character

You eat well in Navarre, and you eat even better in Pamplona. The city is a festival of flavours: local produce, Basque-Navarran tradition, creative tapas and seasonal menus that change with each season.

You can’t leave without trying:

• The pintxos in the old town, especially in streets such as San Nicolás and Estafeta. These small culinary wonders are a hallmark of the city, with annual competitions such as Pincho Week attracting thousands of visitors.
• Navarre asparagus, piquillo peppers, Tudela artichokes and chilindrón lamb.
• And, of course, a good Navarre wine, which is increasingly recognised nationally and internationally.

There is a wide range of bars and restaurants, from classic establishments with a long history to new offerings that fuse tradition and modernity. The four Michelin-starred restaurants demonstrate the high standard of the cuisine, where you can sample everything from pochas (white beans) and vegetables from the Navarran vegetable gardens to meats such as lamb chilindrón and seasonal game. Cheeses with designation of origin, such as Roncal and Idiazábal, round off a feast of flavours.

Plan your visit: what to see in one day in Pamplona

If you only have one day to visit Pamplona, here is a recommended route:

1. Morning: start in the old town, with the cathedral, the town hall and the Plaza del Castillo.
2. Midday: tapas in Calle San Nicolás or lunch in one of the restaurants offering a local menu.
3. Afternoon: stroll through the Taconera Park and visit the Citadel, taking your time to enjoy the surroundings.
4. Sunset: sit in the Arga Park or on a terrace with a view. If there are any exhibitions open in the Citadel, don’t hesitate to go in.
5. Evening: dinner featuring local produce and, if you’re lucky, a concert or event in the Citadel itself or in the city centre.

Where to stay in Pamplona

Pamplona offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. From boutique hotels in historic buildings to hostels for pilgrims and centrally located apartments. Here are three of the options most highly rated by travellers who have visited Pamplona:

If you need to hire a car to get around, here is an option for you to hire one.

A city linked to sport

Finally, sport is another fundamental pillar of city life. The Club Atlético Osasuna, with its El Sadar stadium, is the pride of the region’s football. If you are interested in visiting this wonderful stadium, here is an option for booking in advance if you are visiting Pamplona and are a football fan:

Basque pelota is of paramount importance, with the headquarters of its International Federation located in the city. Basketball, handball, rugby and cycling clubs, together with an extensive network of municipal facilities, make Pamplona an active city committed to sport in all its forms.

In short: a city between walls and horizons

Pamplona is a city that surprises. Full of history, yes. But also modern, dynamic, green and lively. And the Citadel of Pamplona is its silent heart, a place where you can hear the echoes of the past while breathing in the present. Strolling along its ramparts, entering its pavilions and sitting on its lawns is a different way to get to know the city. If you are planning a trip to Navarre or northern Spain, Pamplona deserves more than just a quick stop. And if you already know it… the Citadel always has something new to show you. If you want to be as prepared as possible for your trip to Pamplona, here is a list of items that may be useful:

• Red Scarf for San Fermín
• Stainless Steel Thermal Water Bottle
• Mini Instax Instant Camera
• Unisex Sunglasses
• Lightweight Backpack with Hydration Bag
• Breathable Raincoat
• Waterproof Hiking Boots

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