The Town of the Running of the Bulls

Pamplona is the capital city of Navarre, Spain. It is in a rounded valley known as the Cuenca de Pamplona. The city was, the capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Navarre. Pamplona is the main commercial and services centre of Navarre.

The city has more than four million square metres of park land. It is a medieval city of narrow streets, small squares, churches and noble houses.

One of the best spots in Pamplona is the Art Deco beauty called Cafe Iruna. It was built in 1888, this cafe has a fantastic out door terrace that is extremely popular during the warmer months. It is a Pamplona institution.

A round Plaza del Castillo, you will find a large number of traditional bars. San Juan is well known for its traditional bars. You can choose between an aperitif and tapas, a game of snooker, a beer in one of its many kellers or a drink in one of the cocktail bars along the Travesia Bayona. The avenida de Bayona in particular has some thing for every one. The traditional bars, discos, English-style pubs and cafeterias are all popular.

The Historic Quarter is home to a wide range of shops, and many of its streets are being pedestrianised. Mayor, Estafeta, Zapateria and Comedias, are the place to shop, but you can find almost any thing you want any where in this part of the city. Plaza San Jose square has several antique shops and a flea market is held on the first Saturday of the month.

It is known as the town of the Running of Bulls, one of the most famous events in all the country. It is the event which has given the Fiesta world-wide fame. It is held at eight o'clock each morning from the 7th to the 14th of July inclusive. It consists largely of young men who run in front of the bulls to lead them from their pen up and into the bull-ring. It is very dangerous and attempts to out law this world-famous ceremony have failed.

The major museum of Pamplona is housed in a 16th-century hospital, Nuestra Senora de la Misericordia, which is close to the river. It has a rich collections of Roman artefacts include some 2nd-century mosaics. Also on exhibit is Romanesque art, plus an important Goya portrait of the Marques de San Adrian. Gothic and Renaissance paintings are on the second floor. Murals from the 13th century are another high light.