Pamplona

Although Pamplona is famous for the running of the bulls through its streets during the San Fermín festival in July, the city has a rich history as the capital of Navarre and a key stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. It's a pleasure to wander through the Casco Antiguo (old quarter) with its tempting restaurants and tapas bars. Follow the route of the bull run down Estafeta Street to the bullring. Plaza del Castillo, a wide, handsome square with a bandstand and several popular cafes, is called the city's "living room." The interior of the Cathedral of Santa María holds many Gothic treasures, especially the cloister with its superbly ...

Although Pamplona is famous for the running of the bulls through its streets during the San Fermín festival in July, the city has a rich history as the capital of Navarre and a key stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. It's a pleasure to wander through the Casco Antiguo (old quarter) with its tempting restaurants and tapas bars. Follow the route of the bull run down Estafeta Street to the bullring. Plaza del Castillo, a wide, handsome square with a bandstand and several popular cafes, is called the city's "living room." The interior of the Cathedral of Santa María holds many Gothic treasures, especially the cloister with its superbly sculpted doorways. The former kitchen and refectory house the Museo Diocesano, with religious art. West of the cathedral are atmospheric cobbled streets and remnants of the old city walls in the Navarrería district. The Museum of Navarre is the city's finest museum, with collections of art and archaeology. South of the old town, much of the Ciudadela (citadel), Pamplona's massive 16th-century fortress, has been turned into parkland.

About the Expert

Donna Dailey is the author of Thomas Cook’s Ireland driving guide, coauthor of DK’s Back Roads Ireland and several other titles, as well as the author of Thomas Cook’s HotSpots Costa Blanca and a contributor to AA Publishing’s Key Guide Spain.