PAMPLONA: THINGS TO SEE Go Back to Pamplona guide index
Pamplona is a small town with the heart of the city and the main sites set around
the bullring and the associated streets where the festival takes place.
-CHURCHES -PLAZA'S -MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES -OTHER AREAS
CHURCHES
Catedral
This cathedral dates from the late 14th century and rests on the site of a former
Romanesque basilica. The present facade is a mix of neoclassical and baroque.
It was designed by Ventura Rodríguez, an architect to Charles III. The
interior is Gothic with lots of fan vaulting and cloisters. In the center is
the alabaster tomb of Charles III and his Castilian wife, Queen Leonor that was
completed by the Flemish sculptor Janin de Lamme in 1416. Other things to note
inside include the Barbazán Chapel and its vaulting just off the east
gallery, and the Museo Diocesano in the cathedral's refectory and kitchen. The
Museo displays religious objects over the period from the Middle Ages to the
Renaissance. From July 15-Sept 15 it is open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Mon-Sat 11am-1:30pm.
Calle Curia, tel. 94-822-56-79. Cost: free admission to cathedral; museum 3.60€
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MUSEUMS
Museo Diocesano
Please see the notes about the catedral in the Churches section.
Museo de Navarra
This is Pamplona's major museum. It is housed in a 16th-century hospital, Nuestra
Señora de la Misericordia, near the river. The museum contains a rich
collection of Roman artifacts, 2nd century mosaics, Goya portraits, Gothic and
Renaissance paintings, 13th century murals. Opening hours are Tues-Sat 9:30am-2pm
and 5-7pm; Sun 11am-2pm. Cuesta de Santa Domingo s/n, tel. 94-842-64-92, cost:
1.80€
PLAZA'S
Plaza del Castillo
This is the heart of the town and formerly a bullring that was built in 1847.
It is now the seat of the autonomous provincial government but transforms into
a communal bedroom during the annual Festival of San Fermín.
Plaza de Toros
This is now the present day bullring alongside Paseo Hemingway. Parallel to the
east of the square is Calle Estafeta, the narrow street where the running of
the bulls takes place. It is a popular place year round with its bars and tascas
that attracts crowds of students even without a festival. During the festival
it is the most frequented place in town next to the Plaza del Castillo. The bulls
also run through the barricaded streets of Santo Domingo and Mercaderes. TOP
OTHER AREAS
Old Quarter
The narrow streets of the old quarter extend from three sides of the main square.
