Pamplona offers different ways to enjoy a cultural stay: Gothic architecture at the cathedral, the history of the San Fermín festival and green spaces that also shape the Camino de Santiago through the city. Depending on your interests, you can focus on art and architectural history, pilgrim traditions or a walking route.

Gothic Architecture, the Old Town and Art

Today’s Cathedral of Santa María la Real de Pamplona is a Gothic religious building. It was built after the Romanesque cathedral collapsed in 1389. Its cloister is also considered an outstanding work of Gothic architecture and one of its most significant achievements. The streets and squares of the old town preserve an important collection of monuments, shaped by churches and medieval walls. The oldest section of wall beside the cathedral has a publicly accessible battlement walk with views of the River Arga.

The Museo de Navarra offers a different perspective on the region’s art. It displays artworks from Navarre dating from prehistory to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions. The collection thus spans a broad period, while the changing displays explore different themes.

The Citadel also brings together architectural history and modern-day use. It is considered the finest example of Spanish Renaissance military architecture and is also a public park. Its pavilions, moats, bastions, ravelins and glacis serve as public spaces for leisure, sport and culture. Four historic buildings host exhibitions of works by local, national and international artists, complemented by changing displays from the city’s contemporary art collection. As the exhibition program may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Gardens and Walking Routes

The Taconera Gardens are Pamplona’s oldest gardens. They include a French-style garden laid out in 1830. The garden moats also contain a small open-air zoo with ducks, swans, deer, peacocks and rabbits. The gardens and opportunities to observe the animals offer a different focus from the cathedral’s architecture or the Citadel’s exhibitions.

For a walk, the Camino de Santiago through Pamplona offers a specific route: it is four kilometers long and takes about an hour on foot. The route passes through the old town and the Taconera and Citadel parks. Check the route details in advance. If you are more interested in a single public space, the Citadel offers the leisure, sport and cultural areas mentioned above, as well as its architecture.

San Fermín and the Camino de Santiago

San Fermín has been documented since the 12th century and has developed into a popular cultural festival that brings together religious and civic traditions. One specific bull-running tradition: runners gather in front of a niche in the wall containing an image of Saint Firmin and sing to ask for protection. At the Espacio SanfermIN Espazioa, an interactive audiovisual installation introduces visitors to the festival, its history and its spirit. The program and access arrangements may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

The Ultreia Pilgrim and Interpretation Centre focuses both on practical guidance and on the experience of the medieval pilgrim traveling the Camino de Santiago through Navarre. Large-scale audiovisual displays, multi-screen projections and staged presentations bring this experience to life. The pilgrim centre also sells and stamps pilgrim credentials, and provides up-to-date information on hostels, routes, transport and other essential services for pilgrims. If you need this information for your own journey, you can check it there in advance.

The Pamplona Tourist Information Office provides information about monuments, natural and historical resources, accommodation, restaurants, transport and other activities. This can help you plan your stay around different interests: would you like to focus on Gothic architecture, the history of San Fermín or a walking route through the old town and parks?

Discover more destinations: Los Arcos, Gartzain, Arribe, Baztan, Undiano, Noáin, Allín, Arce

For the broader travel overview: Navarre.