Tourist information - Pamplona
On the fertile plain of the river Arga sits Pamplona, a city rich in history and also deep-rooted traditions. The streets and squares of its historical quarter still preserve a significant collection of monumental establishments dominated by its churches along with medieval walls.
Pamplona is a city where tradition as well as modernity live harmoniously side by side. Started by the Roman general Pompey in 75 BC, the city's importance expanded in the 10th century with the kingdom of Pamplona. During the reign of Sancho III el Mayor (11th century), the current route of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela was traced over the lands of Navarre, a fact which would mark both the appearance of the city as well as the very history of the place. A visit to the capital of the Navarre province begins with the Pamplona of the hamlets, a series of districts of medieval origin which were the source of the current urban centre. Within the central plaza Consistorial stands the stately baroque façade of the City Hall. The building, constructed in 1752, commemorates the union of the hamlets of San Cernín, San Nicolás as well as Navarrería.
Next door to the City Hall, you can admire the Gothic church of San Saturnino or perhaps San Cernín, constructed within the 13th century. Its two towers, previously crowned with crenellations, give us a glimpse of its former defensive function. Meanwhile, within the old cloister is its baroque chapel of the Virgen Del Camino, joint patron of the city.
The neighbouring Cámara de Comptos (13th century), the oldest building at the city, was the site of the former Court of Auditors of Navarre among the 14th and 19th centuries.
Leaving along calle Mayor you reach the church of San Lorenzo (19th century), which houses the baroque chapel of the city's patron saint, San Fermín, and also, lastly, the baroque basilica of the Agustinas Recoletas, which preserves a attractive churrigueresque reredos inside.
On the hill of Santo Domingo you will observe other establishments of the former Iruña. The plateresque façade of the captivating Museum of Navarre, which houses a major collection of archaeological pieces as well as works of art, and also the Gothic church of Santo Domingo, from the 16th century along with which boasts a fine baroque façade from the 17th century.
The Castle square, with trees as well as encompassed by wonderful 18th-century establishments, has become the very heart of the city. The Palace of Navarre, site of Navarre's government, was constructed within the mid-19th century and also preserves its neoclassic façade. Outstanding inside are the Throne Room, within the baroque style, as well as the reredos of the Chapel, as well as a portrait of Felipe VII painted by Goya.
Going down the adjacent streets, you arrive on the neighbourhood of la Navarrería, at the centre of which stands the Cathedral of Santa María la Real. The cathedral complex was begun around the mid-13th century, within the site of the former Romanesque cathedral, although work on it was not completed until the 16th century. This outstanding building has three naves around the Gothic style, as well as a number of neoclassic additions. The central nave houses the mausoleum of King Carlos III the Noble and also his wife (15th century), worked from alabaster along with regarded as to be the most major series of sculptures in Navarre. The high altar is dominated by the image of the Virgen Del Sagrario, before which the monarchs of Navarre swore oaths during their coronation ceremonies.
Equally outstanding is the Gothic cloister (13th-15th centuries), with its Puerta Del Amparo, the Barbazana chapel along with the Puerta Preciosa. The Diocesan Museum contains an enjoyable collection of works of sacred art, outstanding among which is a group of medieval sculptures of the Virgin and also a number of pieces of French medieval precious metalwork.
Next to the cathedral premises are some noblemen's houses, like Itúrbide, from the 17th century and which preserves the family coat of arms, as well as the palace of Goyeneche, created a century later. The city's newer districts have extensive green areas: the Ciudadela park, la Taconera Park as well as the gardens of la Media Luna is fine examples of a city which has enjoyed model urban growth. Gastronomy, festivals as well as surrounding area Pamplona's old town is an idea place to sample the delights of the varied gastronomy of Navarre. In any of its restaurants you can taste the traditional produce of Navarre's fertile fields -asparagus, "piquillo" red peppers, beans-. Roast lamb or even lamb cooked with tomatoes as well as peppers is the most emblematic dish, always along with a fine wine with the Designation of Origin Navarra guarantee as well as a "pacharán" (traditional aniseed liquor) for dessert. In order to understand Pamplona and also its inhabitants at festival time, the visit to the city must be made in the Sanfermines (6-14 July), declared to be of International Tourist Interest. One of the greatest points of interest of these festivals in honour of the city's patron saint is the running of the bulls (a tradition which involves running in front of bulls), which mainly occurs on the hill of Santo Domingo, continuing afterwards along calle Mercaderes until the crossroads with Estafeta, which leads to the Bullring. However, before taking part, you are advised to stay in good shape and to take certain precautions, including only entering on the authorized points as well as avoiding calling the animals. It is as well leading to book accommodation well in advance. 45 km from the capital of Navarre, in the historical medieval town of Olite, is the Parador Príncipe de Viana. This establishment stands next to a 15th-century palace-castle, declared to be a National Monument, with outstanding towers and crenellations.
Also near Pamplona you can enjoy sites of great natural beauty. To the west is the Urbasa and also Andía Nature Reserve. To the north, the villages as well as valleys of the Pyrenees in Navarre provide some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire province. At the Atlantic Pyrenees, on the western-most end, are major natural spaces, just like the Bertiz Nature Reserve.
One of the most significant valleys is Baztán, which stretches out surrounded by mountains along with contains villages like Berroeta, Aniz, Ziga, etc, all of them having a excellent many medieval towers and also palaces. Fine examples of these constructions can be found in the capital of the valley, Elizondo, from where you can continue to visit Urdax and Zugarramurdi, these last villages famous for their caves and also for being the old site of sorcerers' covens.
In the Eastern Pyrenees the main feature is the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela. Coming down from France, it enters the lands of Navarre until arriving at Roncesvalles, a town founded being a sanctuary and hospital in 1132 as well as a first staging post for pilgrims. Following the chain of mountains eastwards is the Selva de Irati, a unique natural area which hosts among the largest beechwoods within the south of Europe. Another point of great interest around the eastern Pyrenees is Valle de Salazar and also Ochagavía, the most populated town around the region
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