Plaza del Castillo

The Plaza del Castillo is a public square located in the centre of the city of Pamplona. One of the best things to do in Pamplona and a must is a visit to Plaza del Castillo. It is the main square of the town and the centre of local life. The people of Pamplona affectionately refer to the main square as their living room (el cuarto de estar) and they spend their time here chatting and passing the day in the local cafes. Ernest Hemingway supposedly spent his time writing the iconic The Sun Also Rises here in Café Iruña. It is located just south of the old town (San Cernin), between  the former medieval settlements of Navarrería and San Nicolas.

The square is arcaded on all sides in the typical Spanish renaissance style, with the outdoor seating of cafes and restaurants next to lawns and rows of trees. In the middle of the square is a stone bandstand and concerts are held here on summer evenings, especially during San Fermín. Historically significant as a venue for military parades, political demonstrations and even bullfights until 1843.

The Plaza del Castillo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Pamplona!

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