Pamplona (Iruña or Iruñea in Basque) was the capital of the former Kingdoms of Pamplona and later Navarre, and is the capital of the autonomous community of Navarre today. In the Middle Ages, the old town comprised three separately walled and often hostile boroughs – La Navarrería, San Cernin and San Nicolás – which were united by Charles III in 1423.
Among other things, it is well known for the annual festival of San Fermín (the Sanfermines) held every year between the 6th and the 14th of July, which includes (but is not limited to) the famous running of the bulls.
The public albergues tend to be closed during the Sanfermines (6–14 July).
What to see in Pamplona/Iruña
Catedral de Pamplona
The Catedral Metropolitana de Santa María la Real was the setting for the coronations and royal marriages of the kings of Navarre, and is also the burial place of several members of the Navarrese royal family, including Charles III of Navarre and his wife Eleanor of Castile. The present Gothic cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th centuries (although its façade is Neoclassical), and its cloister is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
Ciudadela de Pamplona
The citadel is a Renaissance fortress built by order of Philip II of Spain, beginning in 1571, to strengthen the city's defences and ensure control over the recently incorporated Kingdom of Navarre. Originally a five-pointed star, two of its original bastions facing towards the city were later demolished to allow for urban expansion.
Museo de Navarra
The Museo de Navarra houses an important collection spanning Navarra's history from prehistoric times to the modern era. Highlights include Roman mosaics from Ramalete, an 11th-century Hispano-Muslim ivory casket, Romanesque capitals from Pamplona Cathedral, 14th-century Gothic murals, and a portrait by Francisco de Goya.
Where to stay in Pamplona/Iruña
Albergue Betania
Casa Paderborn
Casa Ibarrola
Albergue de peregrinos Jesús y María
Albergue Plaza Catedral
Aloha Hostel
Pamplona Hostel - Iruñako Aterpea
