Self-Guided Walking Tour of Pamplona, Spain (2025)

The Catedral de Santa María la Real stands as one of Pamplona’s most important landmarks, both spiritually and historically. Situated within the Casco Viejo, the cathedral took shape over a period of more than 150 years during the 14th and 15th centuries, which accounts for the eclectic blend of styles it presents today. Its neoclassical façade, added in the 18th century, contrasts with the older Gothic cloister, while Renaissance details adorn its interior. This layering of styles makes the cathedral a remarkable visual journey through changing artistic tastes and religious expression across the centuries.

The cathedral also holds immense dynastic importance, having been dedicated to the monarchs of Navarre. Many rulers and nobles were laid to rest here, with their tombs located in the crypt beneath the church. Chief among them are Charles III of Navarre and his queen, Eleanor of Castile, whose intricately carved alabaster effigies remain one of the cathedral’s highlights. The site reflects not only Pamplona’s religious devotion but also its political significance as a royal and cultural center during the medieval era.

Beyond its architectural grandeur and royal tombs, the cathedral also serves as a guardian of sacred heritage through its Diocesan Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts gathered from churches across the region. Visitors can admire medieval sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, liturgical objects, and paintings that span several centuries, providing insight into the evolution of Christian worship in Navarre. Combined with the serene beauty of the cloister, often considered one of the finest Gothic cloisters in Spain, the cathedral is a place where art, history, and faith converge, making it an unmissable stop on any walking tour of Pamplona.

The building in front of you now houses the Royal and General Archive of Navarra was once the grand Palace of the Kings of Navarra, one of the most emblematic historic monuments in the city. With origins dating back to the 12th century, it was originally constructed as a residence for both the bishops of Pamplona and the monarchs of the old Kingdom of Navarre. Its location, near the heart of the medieval city, reflects the close relationship between religious and political authority during that era. The structure’s solid stone walls and Romanesque-Gothic elements evoke the medieval power and prestige of the rulers who once resided here.

Over the centuries, the palace adapted to new roles, mirroring the shifting fortunes of the kingdom itself. By around 1530, it ceased to be a royal residence and instead became the home of the viceroys, who governed Navarre on behalf of the Spanish crown after its incorporation into Spain. Later, in 1841, the building’s function evolved again, this time serving as the official seat of the captains general, underscoring its continued importance as a center of political and military authority well into the 19th century.

Today, the palace has been carefully restored and transformed into the Royal and General Archive of Navarra, ensuring the preservation of centuries of regional history. Visitors can admire its blend of original medieval architecture and modern adaptations, while inside it houses invaluable documents that chronicle the story of Navarre and its people. For those exploring Pamplona, the palace is not only a striking landmark but also a bridge between past and present, linking the era of kings and bishops with today’s role as guardian of collective memory.

San Fermín de Aldapa is a small yet deeply symbolic church, tied to the traditions and identity of Pamplona. Evidence shows that a church has stood on this site since medieval times, marking the place where, according to local belief, San Fermín—the city’s patron saint—was born. Its modest size and location in the old quarter give it a special intimacy, attracting pilgrims and visitors who want to connect with the roots of one of Spain’s most famous festivals, the Fiesta de San Fermín.

The building itself reflects layers of history and devotion. While its exterior is plain compared to Pamplona’s grander churches, the site has revealed remarkable archaeological finds. Beneath the sacristy, excavations uncovered a Roman mosaic and part of what was once a thermal bath, offering a tangible link between Pamplona’s ancient past as the Roman city of Pompaelo and its later Christian heritage. These discoveries highlight the continuity of occupation and the enduring significance of the spot across centuries.

Though less well-known than the grand Catedral de Santa María or Parroquia San Lorenzo, San Fermín de Aldapa is essential for understanding Pamplona’s spiritual heritage. It stands as a reminder that the city’s patron saint is not just celebrated with the famous running of the bulls but also honored through centuries of worship and tradition rooted in this very place. For walkers exploring Pamplona, it offers a quiet, reflective stop in contrast to the bustle of the festival crowds.

The Portal de Francia, also known as Portal de Zumalacárregui, is one of Pamplona’s most impressive and best-preserved gates from the city’s historic fortifications. Originally part of the defensive walls that protected the medieval city, this gate once controlled access from the southern approach and played a crucial role in Pamplona’s military strategy. Its sturdy stone construction and archway reflect the practical yet imposing design typical of fortified entrances.

Walking through the portal, visitors can imagine the flow of soldiers, merchants, and townspeople who passed under its arches over the centuries. The gate not only served defensive purposes but also acted as a symbolic threshold between the bustling city within and the surrounding countryside. Its preservation allows a direct glimpse into the scale and strength of Pamplona’s old fortifications.

Today, the Portal de Francia is an iconic stop on a walking tour of the city. Its location provides a natural entry point into the historic center, offering views of nearby streets and plazas. As you pass through it, you’re not just moving into the old city—you’re stepping into a living history that has shaped Pamplona’s character for centuries.

The Mirador del Caballo Blanco is a scenic viewpoint that offers one of the best panoramic vistas of Pamplona. Perched on a slight elevation near the historic city walls, it allows visitors to take in the layout of the old town, the surrounding gardens, and the rolling hills of Navarre beyond. The viewpoint is named after the white horse statue that marks the site, a symbol that has become synonymous with the city’s blend of history and culture.

From this vantage point, you can admire key landmarks including the Ciudadela, the Cathedral, and the sprawl of the Old Town’s narrow streets. The mirador is particularly popular during sunrise and sunset, when the city is bathed in warm light, providing ideal conditions for photography and quiet reflection. Its elevated position also makes it a perfect spot to observe the relationship between Pamplona’s medieval fortifications and modern urban development.

For walking tour participants, the Mirador del Caballo Blanco offers a rewarding pause after exploring the streets of the Old Town. It provides both context and perspective, allowing you to see the city as a whole while appreciating the historical and architectural details encountered along the way. It’s a place where history, landscape, and urban life converge in a single, unforgettable view.

The Centro de Interpretación de las Fortificaciones de Pamplona is housed within the historic San Bartolomé Fort, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city’s military past. San Bartolomé Fort was part of an ambitious 18th-century defensive project designed by the engineer Verboom in 1726, although only part of the plan was completed. Its purpose was to reinforce the most exposed sections of Pamplona’s walls with advanced outworks, reflecting the military engineering techniques of the time. Alongside the Bastion of Labrit, the fort was intended to protect strategic locations, including the valuable Mill of Caparroso below.

The fort itself is an impressive example of Pamplona’s layered fortifications, showcasing bastions, ramparts, and defensive structures that were integral to the city’s security. Walking through the site, visitors can appreciate the scale and thought behind the design, imagining the soldiers and engineers who worked to maintain the city’s safety. Its position and architecture highlight Pamplona’s importance as a strategic stronghold in northern Spain, bridging the city’s medieval origins with modern military planning.

Inside the San Bartolomé Fort, the Interpretation Center provides an educational and engaging experience for visitors. Exhibits explain the structure of the walls, the defensive strategies employed over the centuries, and the evolution of Pamplona as a fortified city. Through detailed displays, maps, and interactive elements, the center allows you to understand the role of these fortifications in protecting the city and its inhabitants, making it a must-visit stop for anyone on a walking tour of Pamplona.

The Pamplona Bullring, or Plaza de Toros de Pamplona, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, famous worldwide as the finishing point of the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival. Built in 1922, the bullring reflects early 20th-century Spanish architectural style, with its large circular arena, tiered seating, and striking façade. It continues to host bullfighting events, maintaining a tradition that has been central to Pamplona’s cultural identity for centuries.

With a capacity of 19,720 spectators, the bullring is designed to accommodate both locals and tourists drawn by the excitement of the festival. Its role as the culmination point of the Encierro—the thrilling morning run through the streets of Pamplona—makes it a key site in understanding the city’s unique blend of history, sport, and ritual. Visitors can sense the energy and anticipation that have defined this annual event for generations.

The Plaza de Toros offers a chance to explore not only the architecture of the arena but also the traditions it represents. Even outside festival time, the bullring and its surrounding streets evoke the story of Pamplona’s social and cultural life, linking the medieval city’s plazas and gates to one of its most celebrated modern spectacles.

The Monumento al Encierro, or Entzierroaren Oroitarria, is a striking sculpture that captures the thrill and tension of Pamplona’s famous Running of the Bulls. Located in the heart of the city, this larger-than-life monument depicts both humans and bulls in motion, frozen in a dynamic moment that conveys the energy, fear, and excitement of the event. The attention to detail, from the expressions on the runners’ faces to the powerful movement of the bulls, makes it an impressive and immersive work of public art.

Installed as a tribute to the San Fermín festival, the sculpture celebrates one of Pamplona’s most internationally recognized traditions. It allows visitors to appreciate the courage and skill of the participants while reflecting on the city’s centuries-old festival culture. The monument also serves as a visual storytelling piece, bringing to life a spectacle that has been both feared and revered for generations.

For walking tour visitors, the Monumento al Encierro is a must-see stop, offering an ideal photo opportunity and a chance to connect with Pamplona’s unique identity. Its location near the city center makes it easily accessible, and it provides context for understanding the cultural significance of the bull runs, the nearby Plaza de Toros, and the wider festivities of San Fermín.

The Ciudadela de Pamplona, also known as the New Castle, is a remarkable example of Renaissance military architecture. Constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries under the reign of King Philip II, it was designed by the Italian military engineer Fratín. The fortress was originally pentagonal in shape, with five bastions for defense, though only three remain today, as the other two were removed to make way for roads. Its robust walls and strategic design reflect the importance of Pamplona as a fortified city on Spain’s northern frontier.

Over the centuries, the citadel’s role evolved from a defensive stronghold to a place of confinement. In the 18th century, it was converted into a prison for notable figures, including the Count of Floridablanca and the Marquis of Leganés, among others. This phase of its history adds a human dimension to the fortress, highlighting its function not only in military terms but also in the political and judicial life of Spain at the time.

Today, the Ciudadela de Pamplona has been transformed into a public space, combining history with leisure. Its vast grounds now house landscaped gardens, walking paths, and several exhibition rooms, making it a perfect stop on a walking tour. Visitors can explore the bastions, enjoy views of the surrounding city, and gain insight into Pamplona’s military past while experiencing one of its most tranquil and picturesque green spaces.

The Jardines de la Taconera is Pamplona’s oldest and most romantic park, with its earliest designs dating back to 1830. Today, it offers wide pedestrian paths, beautifully arranged parterres, and a collection of sculptures, making it a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. The park also incorporates remnants of the city’s historic fortifications, including sections of the Gonzaga and Taconera bastions as well as the Revellín de San Roque, all of which once marked the northwest limits of Pamplona’s defenses built during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Taconera and Gonzaga bastions were originally constructed in the 17th century to reinforce the western front following the building of the Ciudadela. Over time, these fortifications transitioned from military use to civic enjoyment. By around 1940, the Taconera bastion had replaced its original crowning of gunboats with a stone parapet, reflecting its new role as a promenade where residents could stroll safely while enjoying views of the city.

The Gonzaga crescent, also known as the San Roque ravelin, was built between 1675 and 1700 as part of this defensive system. One of its fronts proudly displays the coat of arms of Viceroy Pignatelli, a reminder of the city’s historical governance and strategic importance. Today, visitors to the Jardines de la Taconera can enjoy both the natural beauty of the park and the layered history embedded in its walls, making it a charming and educational stop on any walking tour of Pamplona.

The Parroquia San Lorenzo is a historic Catholic parish located in the heart of Pamplona’s Old Quarter. While little remains of its original medieval structure dating back to the 14th century, the church continues to be a vital part of the city’s religious and cultural life. Its architecture today reflects centuries of adaptation and restoration, blending historical elements with later additions.

Inside the parish, visitors can admire several significant features, including the main altar dedicated to San Lorenzo. Of particular note are the Chapel of San Fermín and the Chapel of La Dolorosa, both of which hold special importance for the city’s traditions. The Chapel of San Fermín is especially revered, as the saint is dark-skinned and serves as the patron of Pamplona’s famous bull runs. Each year, his sculpture is paraded through the streets during the San Fermín festival, linking the parish directly to one of the city’s most iconic cultural events.

For those exploring Pamplona on foot, the Parroquia San Lorenzo offers both a historical and spiritual perspective. It provides insight into the city’s medieval origins while remaining central to contemporary religious practice and festival celebrations. Visiting the parish allows you to connect with the story of San Fermín and experience the ongoing traditions that continue to shape Pamplona’s identity.

The Ayuntamiento de Pamplona, or City Hall, is the seat of the local government and a central landmark in the city. Its origins date back to the early 15th century, with the iconic façade—built in 1423—still standing as a testament to Pamplona’s medieval past. While much of the current building was reconstructed in the 1950s, the historic frontage preserves the architectural character and significance of the original town hall.

The City Hall is situated on Plaza Consistorial, a lively public square that acts as a focal point for the city. Here, locals and visitors alike gather for cultural events, social activities, and civic ceremonies. The square’s open layout and central location make it an ideal meeting point during a walking tour, providing both a sense of the city’s history and its vibrant contemporary life.

One of the most famous traditions associated with the Ayuntamiento is the launching of the “chupinazo” rocket on July 6th at noon, which marks the start of the San Fermín festival and the week-long celebrations including the Running of the Bulls. Visiting the City Hall allows walking tour participants not only to admire its architectural features but also to appreciate its enduring role in Pamplona’s cultural and civic identity.

Plaza del Castillo, or Castle Square, is the vibrant heart of Pamplona’s Old Town and a must-visit stop on any walking tour. The square is surrounded by colourful and architecturally striking buildings, many of which house bars, cafés, and restaurants with inviting outdoor terraces. A central gazebo and numerous benches offer places to sit, relax, and watch the bustle of city life unfold, making it a perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere of Pamplona.

The square has long been a social and cultural hub. Its cafés and bars have hosted both locals and famous visitors; most notably, Ernest Hemingway frequented spots such as Bar Txoko and Café Iruña during the 1920s. Inside Café Iruña, a statue of Hemingway commemorates his connection to the city, which he famously featured in his novel The Sun Also Rises.

Visitors can spend time wandering the square, enjoying a coffee or pint on the terraces, and observing the daily rhythms of city life. The combination of historic architecture, lively atmosphere, and literary history makes Plaza del Castillo not only a central meeting point but also a place where Pamplona’s past and present converge in an engaging and memorable way.