Ciudadela de Pamplona

Castle in Pamplona

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Michael Newman

Right in the heart of Pamplona, the Ciudadela de Pamplona is where military history and modern city life overlap in the most relaxing way. Built between 1571 and 1645 under King Felipe II, this five-pointed, star-shaped stronghold is considered one of the best examples of Spanish Renaissance military architecture, largely because it never faced a siege and has survived in excellent condition, making it one of the best places to visit in Pamplona if you enjoy fortifications, green spaces or both.

Today the ramparts, bastions and wide grassy spaces have been transformed into a much-loved public park. Locals come here to jog, picnic and stroll under the trees, while the moats and bastions double as open-air galleries where artists show their work in scheduled slots throughout the week. It feels both historic and very lived-in, and the citadel is a highlight of any walking tour of Pamplona that links the old town with its surrounding parks.

History and Significance of the Ciudadela de Pamplona
Things to See and Do in the Ciudadela de Pamplona
How to Get to the Ciudadela de Pamplona
Practical Tips on Visiting the Ciudadela de Pamplona
Where to Stay close to the Ciudadela de Pamplona
Is the Ciudadela de Pamplona Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Ciudadela de Pamplona
Nearby Attractions to the Ciudadela de Pamplona

History and Significance of the Ciudadela de Pamplona

The Ciudadela de Pamplona was conceived at a time when gunpowder had reshaped European warfare. Traditional high medieval walls were no longer enough, so engineers designed low, thick ramparts and angular bastions that could better withstand and return cannon fire. Between 1571 and 1645, under the reign of Felipe II, Pamplona's new fortress took shape as a flat, star-shaped complex, its geometry carefully calculated to remove blind spots and maximise defensive firepower.

Unlike many fortresses of its era, the citadel never suffered a full-scale siege, and this lack of heavy damage is one of the reasons it survives so clearly today as a textbook example of Spanish Renaissance military architecture. Walking its grounds, you can still read the logic of the bastions, moats and walls, even though their purpose has shifted from war to leisure.

In the 18th century, the role of the fortress began to change, and it was converted into a prison. Its thick walls and controlled access made it an effective place of confinement, and at various points it held high-profile inmates such as the Count of Floridablanca and the Marquis of Leganés. Over time, as Pamplona expanded and the need for heavy fortifications declined, the citadel's military role faded, opening the door for its reinvention as an urban green space.

Things to See and Do in the Ciudadela de Pamplona

Today, the main pleasure of the Ciudadela lies in simply wandering its grounds. The old parade areas and ramparts have become lawns and walking paths where locals exercise, walk dogs and sit in the shade. From the top of the bastions you get slightly elevated views over the park and the city beyond, and as you explore you are constantly reminded that you are moving through what was once a carefully engineered defensive machine.

The moats and bastions now play host to art. At set times-typically from 6 pm to 8.30 pm Tuesday to Friday, noon to 2 pm and 6 pm to 8.30 pm on Saturday, and noon to 2 pm on Sunday-artists display their works around these historic structures, turning the old defences into an open-air gallery. It is worth timing your visit to coincide with these slots if you enjoy contemporary art; the contrast between modern pieces and centuries-old masonry is part of the appeal.

Families and relaxed travellers will appreciate the park atmosphere. Wide grassy areas are ideal for picnics, casual games or simply lying back and looking at the sky while the walls rise around you. The citadel's design naturally breaks the park into different pockets, so you can find quieter corners as well as livelier stretches of path, and it is easy to forget how close you are to the busy streets of central Pamplona.

How to Get to the Ciudadela de Pamplona

Most visitors arrive in the region via Pamplona Airport, a small but convenient gateway with flights from select Spanish and European cities, or via larger airports such as Bilbao and San Sebastián with onward road or rail connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Pamplona on Booking.com. From the airport, taxis and local buses can bring you into the city centre in a short time.

If you are travelling by train, Pamplona's main station connects the city with Madrid, Barcelona and other regional hubs, making rail a comfortable option for arriving from further afield.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station, you can walk, take a bus or hop in a taxi to reach the citadel area in just a few minutes.

Those coming by car will find Pamplona well linked by major roads from other parts of Spain; once in the city, look for parking near the centre and then walk into the green belt where the Ciudadela sits, as its grounds are designed for pedestrians rather than vehicles.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Ciudadela de Pamplona

Suggested tips: Bring a picnic or a book and treat the citadel as both a historic site and a city park; leave time to walk the bastions as well as relax on the grass.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon and early evening are especially pleasant, with softer light and often cooler temperatures; visiting during the artists’ display hours adds extra interest.
Entrance fee: Free – access to the park and grounds is generally without charge
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 to 21:30; Saturdays: 8:00 to 21:30; Sundays and public holidays: 9:00 to 21:30
Official website: https://www.pamplona.es/en/turismo/ciudadela
How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours for a relaxed stroll and a sit-down; longer if you want to explore exhibitions or use the park as a picnic or reading spot.
Accessibility: Paths within the park are mostly level and suitable for casual walking, though some ramparts and slopes may be uneven; there is plenty of space for pushchairs and wheelchairs in the main areas.
Facilities: Expect basic park amenities nearby such as benches, paths and access to toilets and cafés in the surrounding streets rather than inside the fortress itself.
Photography tip: Climb onto the bastions for wide shots that show the star-shaped geometry, and return near sunset for warm light on the walls and long shadows across the grass.
Guided tours: Check locally for walking tours of Pamplona that include the citadel; guides can help you read the military design and explain the fortress's later role as a prison.
Nearby food options: Use the park as a green pause between visits to nearby cafés, pintxo bars and restaurants in the city centre, all within easy walking distance.

Where to Stay close to the Ciudadela de Pamplona

Staying near the centre of Pamplona makes it easy to enjoy the Ciudadela as both a sightseeing stop and a daily green escape. A classic, historic choice is Gran Hotel La Perla, overlooking the main square and within a short walk of the citadel and old town. For a comfortable modern base close to parks and galleries, Hotel Tres Reyes Pamplona places you near green spaces and just a few minutes from the fortress. If you prefer a quieter, boutique feel still within walking distance of the Ciudadela, Pamplona Catedral Hotel offers a characterful stay close to the historic quarter.

Is the Ciudadela de Pamplona Worth Visiting?

The Ciudadela de Pamplona is definitely worth visiting, especially if you like places that mix history with everyday local life. You are not just looking at an old fortress from a distance; you are walking through it, using the ramparts as viewpoints and the lawns as a park, while art installations and exhibitions add a contemporary twist. Combined with its status as one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in Spain, this makes the citadel a memorable and very easy addition to any Pamplona itinerary.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (17,969)

Ciudadela de Pamplona is a spacious pentagonal 16th-century fortress turned public park where you can wander fortifications, tunnels and remnants of the old city walls, enjoy shaded lawns dotted with sculptures and bird enclosures, and relax while watching dogs and locals stroll; it's free, open around the clock, conveniently close to the bus station and makes a pleasant spot to pass time between activities or after sampling nearby pintxos.

P F

2 months ago

"Not much left to look at, but worth a visit. Go past the monument and walk around what's left of some of the old city walls and get some fantasticviews...."

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Simon

a year ago

"Beautiful space for a walk and surprisingly big as well. A definite hot-spot for dog walkers so watch where you're stepping on the grass. One areahas chickens and different birds, They have birds as well if you can spot them. A great place to while away the afternoon or walk of some of the excellent local food...."

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Amanda Stephenson

a year ago

"Enjoyed looking around this city. Ate at some great bars and enjoyed the pintxos. Be aware that shops will shut for a long lunch and everythingquietens down. The citadel is worth a look as a lovely quiet place with lots of shade. Art exhibitions are there too - shut for lunch though!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Ciudadela de Pamplona

No, access to the park and most of the grounds is generally free, though specific exhibitions in interior spaces may occasionally charge an entrance fee.

Yes, it is an excellent place for families, with plenty of open space for children to run around, though young kids should be supervised near any slopes or ramparts.

Yes, the park is open in all seasons, but opening hours may adjust to daylight and local regulations, so be sure to check current gate times, particularly in winter.

Nearby Attractions to the Ciudadela de Pamplona

Taconera Park: One of Pamplona's oldest parks, with landscaped gardens, small animal enclosures and pleasant walks, located close to the citadel.
Plaza del Castillo: The main square of Pamplona, lined with cafés and historic buildings, perfect for a drink after a walk in the park.
Pamplona Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral with a neoclassical façade and cloister, offering a quieter, more reflective side of the city.
Calle Estafeta: One of the famous streets of the Running of the Bulls, now a lively corridor of bars and pintxo spots.
Museo de Navarra: The regional museum, housed in a former hospital, showcasing archaeology, medieval art and works by artists such as Goya.

The Ciudadela de Pamplona appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Pamplona!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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