The mildness of yesterday’s stage and the peacefulness of Zubiri and the Arga River will have helped us to regain our strength for today’s stage on the Camino de Santiago.
Just like in yesterday’s stage, today there will be new pilgrims joining us who preferred to avoid the two previous stage: Welcome!
Let’s continue the French Way!
The main element of today’s stage are the bridges. We will start the day by crossing the “Rabies” bridge and will finish by crossing the La Magdalena bridge, at the entrance to Pamplona.
Today’s stage will offer us a shorter route with gentle hills. This allows us to save our energy and enjoy the first city on the French Way, Pamplona, where we’ll find numerous cultural attractions and exquisite food.
Along the way, we will have the option to follow the original Jacobean route, which runs a bit further away from the Arga River, or we can follow a pleasant walkway to Pamplona along the riverbank.
If you are thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago and we will contact you to advise you on everything you need.
Itinerary stage Zubiri to Pamplona
The third stage of the French Way is a section that is full of places of historical interest. The numerous medieval bridges, the whispering of the Arga River and our arrival to Pamplona make this section one of the most beautiful routes of the entire Camino de Santiago.
Zubiri (Km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: The detour to Larrasoaña is worth taking. Buen Camino!
To begin this stage of the French Way, we will have to retrace some of our steps from yesterday and cross the “Rabies” bridge once again. One kilometre after leaving Zubiri, walking parallel to the Arga River, we will reach the edge of a road.
In front of us we will find the Magna factory, a company founded in 1945 using the magnesite ore deposit. We head uphill along the road, walking around the factory, then walk down some stairs to leave the industrial area.
From here, we take a pleasant cobblestone path that will lead us to the small village of Ilarratz (km 2.9). There is also a fountain here, so we can take the opportunity to replenish our water supply.
We continue on in the same direction to find another hamlet 800 metres later, called Ezkirotz (km 3.7). This hamlet also has a drinking fountain.
At this point we have two options. We can take a small detour from the Jacobean route to visit Larrasoaña and the church of San Nicolás de Bari, or we can continue along the original route without heading into the town.
If we decide to keep going on the original route, we should simply continue along the trail, with the town off to our right. If we want to visit this landmark town on the Camino de Santiago, we go back over the Arga River, crossing the Bandidos bridge.
Just two kilometres away, we will find the town of Larrasoaña (km 5.5). The town is organised around San Nicolás street and owes its origins to an old monastery from the 10th century.
Once we’ve visited the town of Larrasoaña, we get back onto the Jacobean trail, crossing over the Bandidos bridge once again. A short hill takes us to the next town centre in the Esteribar valley: Akerreta.
Akerreta (Km. 6,1)
Practical tips for this section: Next to the Itugaitz bridge, you’ll find a bar in case you want to rest a bit and enjoy the peace and quiet of the area. Buen Camino!
At the top of Akerreta is the church of La Transfiguración. Here you can still see medieval elements such as the baptismal font, the façade and the tower.
We continue on, passing by the rural hotel. After a gate and a gravel trail, we reach a local road, which we cross.
At this point we will enter one of the most beautiful sections of the entire Camino de Santiago. Surrounded by thick trees and bushes and accompanied by the murmur of the nearby Arga River, we will head downhill until reaching the edge of the river.
Following the riverbank, we reach a bridge, which we cross to enter the town of Zuriain (km 9.2).
We leave Zuriain on the N-135 road. Walking along it for about 600 metres, we find a turnoff to Ilurdotz on the left. We take it and cross the Arga River once again on the Itugaitz bridge. We thus enter the last town in the Pyrenean valley before heading into Irotz, which sits on the plain of Pamplona.
Irotz (Km. 11,2)
Practical tips for this section: We recommend taking the Huarte alternative and getting back on the traditional route in Trinidad de Arre, so that you don’t miss out on this charming town. Buen Camino!
Walking by the church of San Pedro, we head downhill along the trail to the Iturgaiz bridge. A beautiful walkway of Romanesque origin that was restored in the 20th century.
After getting off the bridge, on the right we will find the Arga River walkway. Here we will find two different signs. One sign that marks 14 kilometres to Cizur and, above it, at the entrance to a narrow trail, another sign indicating Arre and Villava/Pamplona.
We take the narrow path towards Arre, walking in between the river walkway and the road. When we reach a few hamlets that belong to Zabaldika, we have two options.
Turn right to go up to Zabaldika, where we’ll find the church of San Esteban and the pilgrim shelter. Or take the path on the left and go around a crop field. In both cases, we will have to cross the N-135 again, using the underpass.
Both the Cizur option and the Zabaldika option will take us to a picnic area (km 12.9) located on the other side of the road. At this picnic area we will find barbecues, tables and bathrooms. The itinerary splits at this picnic area. We can choose the modern route that passes through Huarte or follow the traditional path.
The Huarte Route
To take this route, we must follow the path on the left. If we opt for this alternative that runs along the river, we will go through Huarte, where a pilgrim shelter is located. This option is longer but has less hills.
Following this option, we must cross a tunnel and climb a small hill. In 300 metres, we will find the well-marked turnoff to the town of Huarte, 1.2 kilometres away. After passing Huarte, we head downhill to Trinidad de Arre.
The trail meets up with the historic French Way in Trinidad de Arre. From there we can re-join the Jacobean route or continue along the river walkway to the Magdalena bridge, at the gates to Pamplona.
If we follow the traditional route, the distance between the Trinidad de Arre bridge and the Magdalena bridge is 3.7 kilometres. If we follow the Huarte route along the river walkway, the distance is 4.9 kilometres. On this route, we will avoid Villava to then get back on the Jacobean route, leaving Burlada behind us.
The Traditional Route
If we decide to follow the traditional route, we must take the path that continues straight heading uphill. Following this route, we will soon come across the hamlet of Arleta, a group of houses in ruins.
Leaving behind the valley of Esteribar, we cross a ring road through another underground passage. At the exit, we head down to the Trinidad de Arre bridge, which crosses the Ultzama River.
Trinidad de Arre (Km. 16)
Practical tips for this section: We’re reaching the end of today’s stage. Enjoy the beautiful environment in Trinidad de Arre. Buen Camino!
In Trinidad de Arre, the Baztan Way (which starts in Bayonne) meets up with the French Way.
Crossing the bridge, we reach Trinidad de Arre, where we can visit the church of La Santísima Trinidad. Following the yellow marks, which are characteristic of the Camino de Santiago, we will reach the next town centre in Villava (km 16.1).
We enter the town where Miguel Induráin was born, continuing along Mayor street. Here we will find a pilgrim shelter and all kinds of amenities. At the exit of the village, we continue straight and pass several roundabouts, until we reach Burlada (km 17.2).
The Camino continues along the main street in this town until reaching a mechanic, where we turn right. We cross the street next to Vivieros Arvena.
Following the Camino de Santiago signs, located on the pavement, we continue a few metres to the right and then turn left to get on another walkway. This walkway will lead to the entrance of Pamplona.
After walking for a kilometre and a half, we cross the Magdalena bridge, which goes across the Arga River, to enter Pamplona’s old quarter.
Pamplona (Km. 20,4)
Practical tips for this section: Pamplona has many attractions and is a fun city. Some pilgrim shelters allow you to spend more than one night, or you can find other types of accommodation that offer you greater flexibility. The city is worth visiting for an entire day or more. See you tomorrow!
From the La Magdalena bridge, there are several accommodation options to choose from. At the exit, on the left, there is the turnoff to the Casa Paderborn pilgrim shelter.
If we head to the Jesús de María pilgrim shelter or any other accommodation in the centre, we will have to continue to the right, crossing the traffic light. We continue next to the bastion of Our Lady of Guadalupe, passing the drawbridge.
We thus get onto Carmen street, and on the right, we will find Navarrería street. When it comes to an end, we turn left onto De Curia street, to then turn right on Compañía street where we’ll find the Jesús y María pilgrim shelter, located in the centre of Pamplona.
The first city on the French Way is welcoming, with many parks and gardens, and numerous cultural attractions, including: the Santa María la Real cathedral, the Town Hall, the Palace of Navarre, the city walls and the Citadel.
Since 2018, from April 16th to October 15th, the “Christian Welcome on the Way” takes place, with the participation of more than 30 volunteers. At 6:00 pm there is a gathering in the Town Hall square, and at 6:50 pm prayer is called in the church of Santo Domingo, and at 7:30 pm there is mass and the blessing of the pilgrim.
In the area surrounding the Plaza del Castillo square and near the streets of Navarrería, Estafeta, San Gregorio and San Nicolás, we’ll find numerous well-known spots that are perfect for getting a bite to eat and enjoying the typical “pintxos” and the regional cuisine. We will also find the market of Santo Domingo.
Café Iruña is a classic. Not only for its food, but because it’s a place that was frequented by Hemingway and is where the writer began some of his novels.
Some pilgrims find this stage to be short, especially if they went all the way to Larrasoaña in yesterday’s stage. So sometimes they decide to extend the stage to Cizur Menor, 5 kilometres from the centre of Pamplona.
Comments stage Zubiri to Pamplona
Today’s stage is simple, without any significant dangers. The splits in the route will take us along different paths, but almost all of them will lead to Pamplona.
In the off season, many of the bars and restaurants that we pass in today’s stage will be closed. But the day ends in Pamplona, which is the perfect place for enjoying the local cuisine. Below we’ve given you a few recommendations.
Precautions stage Zubiri – Pamplona
When it rains a lot, the descent to the Arga River before reaching Zuriain can get slippery due to the steepness. The section between Larrasoaña and Zabadika can also sometimes get very muddy.
For cyclists, the Huarte alternative is more comfortable, although the traditional route is not particularly complicated, except for a few hills where you’ll probably have to push the bicycle.
For those who are planning on doing this stage between July 6th and July 14th, you should keep in mind that this is when the festival of San Fermín takes place in Pamplona. During this week, the Jesús y María pilgrim shelter doesn’t open and the rest of the accommodation options will be extremely expensive.
Food stage Zubiri – Pamplona
Today we’re going to recommend you a few typical dishes from Pamplona and Navarre’s regional cooking:
- Navarre gazpacho soup
- Asparagus and piquillo peppers
- Tudela artichokes with clams
- Lamb “en chillindrón”
- Ox/beef steak
- Navarre-style hake
- Chorizo from Pamplona
- Pintxos with Idiazábal cheese
- Pacharán liqueur
Services stage Zubiri to Pamplona
Consult the main health care services, cafes, ATMs, restaurants and are in this stage of the French Way.
Maps stage Zubiri to Pamplona
Consult the map with the route, points and towns along the stage.
Profile stage Zubiri to Pamplona
Consult the profile of the stage: altitude and degree of difficulty of each section.
What to do stage Zubiri to Pamplona
Today’s stage is especially attractive in terms of culture. We’ll find many bridges along the way, and our day ends in Pamplona, a city with many places to visit. Below we’ve provided information on all the different things to see.
Larrasoaña
Larrasoaña is small town, founded in the 10th century, next to the monastery of San Agustín. The town has a little over 130 inhabitants.
In the 11th century, it had a hospital for pilgrims, and in the 12th century it housed a community of foreign craftsmen, mostly French, who designed the current layout of the town on the sides of the Camino.
Here you’ll find beautifully decorated houses, the church of San Nicolás de Bari and the hermitages of San Blas and Santiago.
Church of San Nicolás de Bari
The church of San Nicolás de Bari, located in the town of Larrasoaña, dates back to the 13th century. It was originally attached to the town’s old monastery.
The building consists of a single nave that is flat at the top. In the back, there is a thick, tall tower with little ornamentation where the church bells are located. On its north façade, there is a stone with the Cross of Roncesvalles.
The Bandidos Bridge
The Bandidos bridge crosses the Arga River and accesses the centre of Larrasoaña. Its construction dates to the 14th century.
Its name (“Bridge of Bandits”) comes from the fact that in olden times, thieves and bandits would hide under this bridge to attack the pilgrims who tried to enter the town. Today, only its name is preserved, and you don’t have to worry about crossing it.
Akerreta
In this practically abandoned town (it had 11 inhabitants four years ago), the main point of interest is the church of La Transfiguración.
Church os La Transfiguración
The temple of Akerra is formed by a nave divided into three sections with a flat top, covered by a vault. Inside, the main altar is from the 15th century.
The secondary altarpiece, in a Renaissance style, is attributed to Ramón Oscáriz, and deserves a few minutes of your time. The altarpiece is divided into three bodies by friezes decorated with cherubs. Vertically, we can see four sections separated by columns.
On the main altarpiece, we can see different scenes from the bible: Pietà, Christ on the Cross, Flagellation and Prayer in the Garden. In the second scene, the bishop Saint Bartholomew is represented, along with the baptism of Christ and Saint Anthony.
In the third section, we can see Saint Barbara, Saint Catherine, Pentecost, the Assumption of Mary and Saint Lucy with Saint Quiteria. In the middle section, the figure of the chapel’s owner appears.
The Iturgaiz Bridge
The Iturgaiz bridge allows us to cross the Arga Rvier in the town of Irotz. Its construction dates to the 12th century and although it has undergone numerous restorations throughout history, it still holds on to its medieval bridge structure.
The most important restoration was carried out in the 1940s, during which a few protruding parts were added to the sides of the bridge to extend the width of the path, also affecting part of the central arch and the railings.
The bridge’s structure is currently formed by three semi-circular arches. The central arch is the largest, eleven metres in length, while the lateral ones are only three metres long.
The name of the bridge is due to an underground spring, which flows out on its left side. Under the bridge there is a very deep pool, and the town’s young people have been jumping off the bridge into the pool for many years.
Irotz
This small town only has a few houses, the hermitage of Montserrat and the pilgrim hospital of San Miguel, which began operating in the 16th century.
In this town that only has around 20 inhabitants, the Iturgaitz bridge will grab your attention.
Zabaldika
This small town, known as Zabadica up until 1989, has only 26 inhabitants. The centre of town is organised around the church of San Esteban, from the 13th century.
Church of San Esteban
The church of San Esteban is located in Zabaldika and dates back to the 13th century. This small church has not undergone any signification restorations throughout its history.
The temple is built in a Romanesque style, with blocks of stone and has a pointed vault. The bell tower raises up from the choir section, with a rectangular structure. The bell tower has two bells, and they say that the smaller one (made of bronze) is the oldest in all of Navarre, dating back to 1377.
The entrance door is protected by a barrel vault and surrounded by three arches that rest on imposts and pilasters. Inside, pilgrims are welcomed by a carving of the crucified Christ. In the back on the left, you’ll find the baptismal font that dates back to the 13th century. On the right, we find a spiral staircase, from the medieval period, which leads to the bell tower.
On the central altarpiece, from the 17th century, the image of Christ on the cross reappears. The work is attributed to Juan de Gastelúzar and was created in a Mannerist style.
The side chapel, dating back to 1609, is the work of Juan de Elordi. On its dome, you can see three small figures: Jesus, who stands with his hands raised, Moses and Elijah.
Huarte
This town in the Cuenca de Pamplona region has close to 7,000 inhabitants with a total area of almost 4 km2. The small town is surrounded by water.
The town is surrounded by the Arga River on three sides, which then crosses with the Ulzama River and turns the town into an island. This geographical location explains the origin of its name. Huarte comes from the Basque expression “ur arte” which literally means “between waters”.
Trinidad de Arre
Trinidad de Arre is an incredibly charming town. Characterised by beautiful medieval architecture that is dominated by its bridge, it’s surrounded by mountains and the Arga River’s park. This explains why so many photography and painting enthusiasts have come to this beautiful town to create their works of art.
In this town, located in the municipality of Arce, you can visit the hermitage of La Santísima Trinidad and, just a few metres away, the Batán de Villava, which used to be an old fulling mill that worked with cloths and fabrics.
The mill is currently an interpretation centre for the Arga riverside park. Even so, one of the old wooden fulling stocks has been preserved inside.
Trinidad de Arre Bridge
The Trinidad de Arre bridge is a medieval bridge that crosses the Ulzama River. Its structure is composed of four arches and was restored in the 18th century.
Ultzama River
The Ultzama River covers a distance of 36 kilometres. It begins near Puerto de Velate and flows south to the rivermouth on the right bank of the Arga River, very close to Villava. As it flows its course, it gathers water from the Arkil River, the Beroa ravine and the Mediano River.
Church of La Santísima Trinidad
The church of La Santísima Trinidad is located in Trinidad de Arre, attached to the convent that was a former pilgrim hospital in the 11th century. The church was later built in the 12th century.
The hermitage is constructed in a Romanesque style. In spite of the numerous restorations it was subjected to over the years, it still preserves elements from the Romanesque time, such as the apse.
Its chevet is divided into five sections by buttresses that frame huge openings. The nave is divided by a barrel vault that rests on transverse arches, however its apse is covered by an open vault.
The temple’s wide semi-circular façade has three arches and is surrounded by pillars.
Villava
Villava is known for being the hometown of Miguel Induráin. In the town, you can see a monument of the cyclist who won the Tour de France five times. Every year, a cycle-tourism event that bears his name takes place in the town’s streets.
In this town, with more than 10,000 residents, you can visit the San Andrés Mill, which dates back to the 16th century, located in the place where the Arga River and the Ultzama River come together, very close to the church of La Santísima Trinidad de Arre. The mill currently houses the River Park Information Centre and an exhibition on the mill’s various uses.
Burlada
The urban centre of Burlada is considered to be an extension of Pamplona, given that there are only three kilometres separating it from the city and it is purely residential. However, this town has its own municipality and around 20,000 people live here.
In this municipality, you can see a bridge from the Middle Ages (15th century), made up of six arches. The bridge is 80 metres long and allows you to cross the Arga River.
You can also visit the parish of San Juan Bautista, whose altarpieces can be found in the Museum of Navarre, as well as the modern church of San Blas, built in 1970.
Bridge of La Magdalena
The bridge of La Magdalena is located at the entrance to Pamplona in the La Magdalena neighbourhood, hence its name. The construction allows us to cross the Arga River in the La Tejería Park.
Built in the 12th century and restored several times, its Gothic elements are the result of the restoration carried out in the 15th century. It was last restored in 1963.
This beautiful bridge was declared a Spanish “Good of Cultural Interest” and an Artistic-Historical Monument. Its structure, although much smaller, is like the medieval bridge of La Reina, also located in Navarre.
Pamplona
Pamplona was founded by the Romans in the year 75 BC, in the place where the cathedral is currently located. At the time, it was given the name Pompaelo.
During the Middle Ages, it was divided into three boroughs, each surrounded by walls: San Nicolás, San Cernin and Navarrería. The ongoing battles between the villages made King Charles III the Noble sign a Treaty of Union in 1423. It was then that Pamplona was constituted as a single entity and it was prohibited to build any more walls.
At present, Pamplona is a modern city with 200,000 residents. Its old town is made up of bustling streets full of exquisite food, where you can have a great time wandering around and exploring.
The city is known around the world for the San Fermín running of the bulls. During this festival held in the month of July every year, hundreds of people run with the bulls along the narrow streets in its historic centre.
The capital of Navarre offers a wide range of activities and cultural attractions. Some of the most prominent places in the city include:
– Cathedrals and churches: cathedral of Santa María, church of San Nicolás, church of San Cernin, etc.
– Medieval architecture: the city walls and the Citadel, the “Rincón del Caballo Blanco” viewpoint, etc.
– Emblematic buildings: City Council, Palace of Navarre, Baluarte Convention Centre, Parliament of Navarre, Royal and General Archive of Navarre, Constable’s Palace.
– Squares and parks: Castillo Square, Media Luna Park, Argia Riverside Park, Taconera Gardens, Yamaguchi Park, San José Square.
– Museums and interpretation centres: Diocesan Museum, Interpretation Centre of the Fortifications of Pamplona, Pablo Sarasate Museum, University of Navarre Museum, and the Museum of Navarre.
Cathedral of Santa María
The cathedral of Santa María is one of the best-known monuments in the city of Pamplona. It was built during the 14th and 15th century, on top of an old Romanesque hermitage in the Roman town of Pompaelo. Its restored neo-classical façade and the Gothic aesthetic inside are both striking.
Inside, we can find a Gothic cloister built between the 13th and 15th century. It is considered to be one of the few in this category that still exists in Europe.
The cloister consists of two beautiful doors and an interesting vaulted chapel. On its side there are six pointed arches that illuminate the inside. The vaults are decorated with reliefs that represent the four cardinal points, the months of the year and the Rivers of Paradise.
Inside you can also find the tomb of King Charles III of Navarre, who lies next to his wife. It is one of the most important mausoleums in the Autonomous Community of Navarre, as it houses the tombs of 28 other nobles. Under the grave is the crypt, which cannot be accessed, that houses the remains of kings and princes.
The cathedral’s main building is complemented by a library, which is home to more than 14,000 books, the sacristy (in a Rococo style), the refectory and the kitchen, where you can see a huge chimney that is 27-metres tall. The Diocesan Museum is located in these rooms.
In the museum, you can look at the religious art on display, which includes the medieval carvings of the Virgin Mary.
Useful Information
Web: www.catedraldepamplona.com
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +34 948 212 594
Visiting hours: Closed on Sundays. Open from Monday to Saturday (10:30 am – 7:00 pm, from the end of March to the end of October, and from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm the rest of the year). Access to the church is not allowed one hour before closing.
Admission: General (€5), children (€3) and groups of more than 15 people (€4).
Guided tours: You must make an appointment. They are held from Monday to Saturday at 12:00 pm.
Pamplona City Council
The Pamplona City Council is in the centre of the old part of town. Its location marks the place of confluence of the three boroughs that had divided Pamplona during the Middle Ages. King Charles III the Noble ordered the building to be constructed as a symbol of Pamplona’s unification in the 15th century.
The first city council building was demolished in 1752. Eight years later, a new municipal building was built, of which only the façade currently remains due to the restoration in 1951.
On its colourful façade you can see a combination of Baroque and neoclassical styles. The lower section is built in a Baroque style, while the middle section is decorated with allegorical representations at the top, and the upper section has a pediment with a neoclassical clock in the centre.
We can also point out the sculptures that line the entrance to the building, a man playing the trumpet at the top of the façade, and two large statues of Hercules on the sides that symbolise the strength of Navarre.
Another reason why Pamplona’s City Council building is so emblematic is because it is the place where the ceremonial rocket (known as the “chupinazo”) is launched to kick off the San Fermín festival on July 6th of every year.
The Walls of Pamplona and the Citadel
The walls of Pamplona are one of the best-preserved fortifications in all of Spain, which led them to be declared a Spanish “Good of Cultural Interest” and National Monument.
One of the first sections of the wall dates to the 16th century. Later, with the Kingdom of Navarre’s incorporation into the Crown of Castile medieval state, the decision was made to expand the walled enclosure, incorporating other defence elements such as forts, bastions, etc.
It was at this time when the fortification known as the Citadel was built. Its construction began in 1571 and ended in 1645. The fortress is in the middle of the medieval complex that is enclosed by the walls and the castle.
In the bastions, pavilions, moats, glacis and ravelins of the Citadel, public spaces have been created where people can practice sports and other leisure and cultural activities. Inside there is also a quiet park with a square and a fountain. Throughout the area, you can find benches and paths that’ll make your visit to this emblematic space even more pleasant.
In the 20th century, some of the walls were demolished in order to expand the city’s urban area. However, the visitor can still walk along the wall in the section that runs between the Media Luna Park and the Taconera Gardens.
When visiting the walls and the Citadel, the visitor gets immersed in well-preserved medieval architecture and an immense green landscape. This architectural complex is considered to be the city’s green lung. The buildings are surrounded by 280,000 square metres of green spaces, composed of a wide variety of grassy areas and trees.
To learn more about the history of Pamplona’s fortifications, you can visit the Interpretation Centre of the Fortifications of Pamplona.
Useful Information
Web: www.lasmurallaspamplona.com
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Telephone: + 948 420 975
Park hours: Open every day. From Monday to Friday (from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm), Saturdays (from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm), Sundays and holidays (from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm).
The Castle Square
The Castle Square is an imperfect quadrilateral that covers an area of 14,000 square metres. You can access many of the narrow streets in Pamplona’s old quarter from this square.
Historically, this area has been a cultural hub. Bullfights took place here up until 1844, along with battles, markets, military parades, tournaments, demonstrations, etc.
It is also famous for being part of the “Hemingway Route”, and the writer’s image is present in various parts of the square, such as the classic Café Iruña, the Txoko bar or the Gran Hotel La Perla, all of which were places that were often frequented by the North American writer.
The square is surrounded by houses that are mostly from the 18th century, characterised by their colour, the numerous balconies, large windows and turrets. In this square, we can also find one of the most emblematic symbols of Navarre’s history, the Palace of Navarre.
Palace of Navarra
The Palace of Navarre (known as “La Diputación”) is located in the Castle Square and is one of the most characteristic elements of the city’s history. Built in 1840, it is now the seat of the Regional Government along with a number of other administrative entities.
It has a striking façade, with various sculptures protected by niches that represent the bronze figures of Kings Sancho VII “the Strong” and Sancho III “the Great”. This façade also contains Navarre’s coat of arms, flanked by two men: one from the mountains and another from the plains in the south.
Inside, the main floor stands out, where we find the President’s office, a chapel, the Throne Room and the Cabinet Room. The Throne Room is used for official ceremonies and contains a clock that plays the hymn of Navarre every day at noon. The Cabinet Room is where the regional government meets.
There are also gardens inside, in which the oldest tree in the city has been growing for more than a century and a half, a redwood that is 37 metres high.
You can only visit the inside of the building with a guide, for which you must make a reservation 15 days in advance. For the visit to take place, a group of 20 to 50 people is required.
Useful Information:
Telephone: +34 848 427 127
Visiting hours: From Monday to Friday at 3:30 pm.
Church of San Nicolás
The church of San Nicolás is located in the city of Pamplona’s old borough of San Nicolás. Built in the 12th century, this was the most important building in the borough.
With religious and defence functions, this church/fortress has thick walls and watchtowers, one of which was restored in 1924. Given that its function was to defend the residents who lived in the area, the fortification also has large gates.
Its structure is in the form of a Latin Cross and has three lateral naves with pointed barrel vaults. The ribbed vaults in the central nave, the presbytery and the transept all date back to the 16th century.
This temple, in a Gothic style, has an enormous Baroque organ inside from 1769, which is the second most important in the city after the one found in the church of Santo Domingo.
Media Luna Park
This is one of the most romantic parks in Pamplona. Its name is due to its half-moon shape and is the work of architect Víctor Eusa.
From this park, you get magnificent views over the Arga River, the Magdalena valley and the cathedral complex. These views have been portrayed frequently by Navarrese painters.
In our walk through the park, we’ll find a fish pond, a monument to the violinist Pablo Gayarre, born in Pamplona, and a huge redwood tree that grows in the gardens. We will also find an enticing café where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Baluarte Conference Center
The Baluarte Conference Centre is considered one of the largest auditoriums in Spain, with a capacity for more than 1,500 people and an area of over 60,000 square metres. The building was created in order to meet the region’s need for a venue that could host conferences, exhibitions and cultural events.
Parliament of Navarra
The Parliament of Navarre has its headquarters in a monumental building that was built in the 19th century, between 1892 and 1897. The building is made of stone and red brick and inside it is divided into four floors that are distributed around a huge courtyard surrounded by glass.
Arga Riverside Park
Since 1984, as part of the Comprehensive Arga Plan, the river’s natural habitat begun to recover. To do so, a large 17-kilometre park was created, which today is a great place for walking, with jetties, walkways and a wide variety of fauna and flora.
Interpretation Center of the Fortifications of Pamplona
The Interpretation Centre of the Fortifications of Pamplona was inaugurated in 2011 and its objective is to conserve the remains of Pamplona’s walls and to study their evolution. Through audio-visual content and information panels, visitors can learn more about the construction and defensive strategy of this majestic fortification.
The museum can be visited on your own or with a guided tour of the bastions. If you choose the guided tour, you should wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight (only a minimum of 5 people are required and you need to reserve one day in advance).
Useful Information:
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +34 948 211 554
Hours: Closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday (from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm).
Admission: General (€3), retirees, children, groups and on Thursdays (€1.50), children under 10 years old (free).
Guided visits: There are no guided visits on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday (5:00 pm).
Taconera Gardens
The beautiful Taconera Park dates back to 1830 and has many gateways in the style of triumphal arches. The most noteworthy is the San Nicolás gateway, located on Bosquecillo street. Only the original façade remains from its original structure.
There are several sculptures throughout the park, the most popular of which are: Mari Blanca, from the 18th century and created by Luisa Paret, and the Julián Gayare monument, from 1950, the work of Fructuoso Orduna and Víctor Eusa.
You will also find fountains, a cosy café and a small zoo where deer, goats, pheasants, ducks, swans and peacocks live.
Pablo Sarasate Museum
The Pablo Sarasate Museum is located in the Constable’s Palace in Pamplona, located at the junction of Jarauta and Mayor streets. This building is the only example of 16th century civil architecture in the city. It was restored to regain its original appearance, recovering elements such as the original corner balcony.
Today, the Constable’s Palace is home to the legacy and music of the well-known violinist from Pamplona, Pablo Sarasate (1844-1908). Inside, the visitor can see numerous objects related to the life and work of the musician.
Useful Information:
Web: www.pablosarasate.com
Telephone: +34 948 424 100
Hours: Closed on Saturday and Sunday. From mid-July to October, it opens from Monday to Friday (from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm). In August and September, it also opens in the afternoons (from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm). It closed in the first half of July.
Admission: free
University of Navarre Museum
The University of Navarre Museum is a space with 11,000 square metres, designed by Rafael Moneo. There are two art and photography collections exhibited in the museum.
In the art exposition, you can visit close to fifty paintings and sculptures. The most outstanding works of art include the creations by Picasso, Tàpies, Kandinsky or Oteiza.
In the photography collection, you can see works by José Ortiz-Echagüe, one of the most relevant 20th-century photographers, as well as photographs donated by various contemporary artists such as Juan Naranjo or Victor Méndes Pascual.
In addition to these two main exhibitions, you can also visit rooms dedicated to the performing arts and other spaces. The museum can be visited on your own or with a guided tour.
Useful Information:
Hours: Closed on Mondays. In summer, from Tuesday to Sunday (from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm). The rest of the year, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, except on Sundays and holidays that follow the summer timetable.
Guided visits: There are visit every day. In summer and on all Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, the guided visit takes place at 12:00 pm. The rest of the year, the visits from Monday to Friday take place at 6:00 pm.
Admission: General (€4.50), students, retirees, people with disabilities and groups of more than 10 people (€3), children under 17 and people associated with the University of Navarre (free).
Church of San Cernin
The church of San Cernin is located in the old borough of San Cernin in Pamplona. The purpose of this church/fortress was to protect the inhabitants of the area, which is why it has such thick walls and two tall towers.
Opposite the main entrance is a large cloister, formed by vaults and pointed arches from the 16th century. The capitals on the façade, in a Gothic style, depict scenes of the childhood and Passion of Christ. On each side of the arched entrance, there are two sculptures of Saint Saturnin and Saint James the Pilgrim.
In the church’s south tower, one of the city’s most popular emblems is located, the “gallico de San Cernin”, a weather vane. Another interesting element on this tower is the clock that was placed on the façade in 1499. This clock announces the exact moment when the rocket (“chupinazo”) is to be launched every year at the start of the San Fermin festival.
Useful Information:
Hours: Open every day. From Monday to Friday (from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm), Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, and from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm).
Admission: free
Yamaguchi Park and the Planetarium
The Yamaguchi Park is the reflection of the city’s good relationship with the Japanese city of Yamaguchi. The park was created in 1997 and was designed by a Japanese landscape architect.
This oriental-style area contains all the characteristic elements of a Japanese garden and covers 85,000 square metres. In the park we can see Japanese plants and trees, a large geyser, a pond with a bridge, decorative elements from Japanese culture such as the suhana (stone or sand beach), etc.
At the western end of the park, on Sancho Ramírez street, the planetarium is located. It is the largest planetarium in the world due to its huge celestial dome. In this massive dome, which measures twenty metres in diameter, you can get a chance to look up at nine thousand stars.
Useful Information:
Park hours: 24/7
Admission: free
Planetarium web: www.plamplonetario.org
Planetarium e-mail: [email protected]
Planetarium telephone: +34 948 260 004
Planetarium hours: Closed on Monday, Sunday and holidays. It opens Tuesday and Wednesday (from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm), and Thursday to Saturday (from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm).
Planetarium admission: General (€5), children (€3).
Museum Navarre
The Museum of Navarre is located on the site of the old hospital, Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia de Pamplona. By visiting the museum, you will get to learn about the art and history of Navarre all the way from prehistoric times up to the present day.
Inside there are both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Within the permanent exhibition, you can see works of art such as the portrait of the Marquis of San Adrián by Goya or the ivory Mozarabic chest from Leire.
The temporary exhibitions are located on the ground floor. In the gardens, inside the outdoor exhibition, you can see several mosaics and archaeological remains.
In the museum you can also find remains from the primitive façade of the cathedral of Santa María, in a Romanesque style, which had been replaced due to its deterioration.
Useful Information:
Hours: Closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday (from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm), Sundays and holidays (from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm).
Admission: General (2€), students and cultural groups (€1), people over 65 and pilgrims (free).
Royal and General Archive of Navarre
The Royal and General Archive of Navarre is located in the former Palace of the Kings of Navarre, deep within the city walls. It is a symbolic building from the 12th century, which was used as a residence in medieval times by monarchs and bishops from Pamplona.
The building was restored by the Navarrese architect Rafael Moneo (Pritzker Prize for Architecture and 2012 Prince of Asturias Prize for Arts). The building’s vaulted hall in a Gothic style is still intact, as well as the porticos in the inner courtyard.
In 2003, the documentary archive was inaugurated. The three-storey building is adjacent to an 11-storey tower, of which most of the floors are underground, dedicated to the document archive. The facilities are equipped with sophisticated systems for consulting, classifying and conserving the documents.
Useful Information:
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephones: +34 848 424 667 / +34 848 424 623
Hours: Closed Saturday and Sunday. From Monday to Friday (from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm).
Admission: Free.
“Rincón del Caballo Blanco” Viewpoint and the San José
The Rincón del Caballo Blanco (The White Horse Corner) viewpoint is located in the Bastion of El Redín. In the 16th century, this area was considered to be a place of execution, since it was one of the most inaccessible parts of the wall. Later, different wells were dug underneath this bastion, in which other trenches were built, such as the Revellín de los Reyes, the Baluarte Bajo de Guadalupe, etc.
Currently, this place is a magnificent viewpoint that allows you to admire the areas to the north and east of the city of Pamplona, with views of neighbourhoods such as Rochapea, San Jorge and Chantrea. You can also see the San Cristóbal mountain in the background, with its abandoned fort at the top.
From the White House Corner, passing under a hanging house, you can access the San José square, which is where the oldest house in Pamplona is located and the only fountain-lamppost in the city.
