Pamplona/Iruña was the capital of the Kingdom of Pamplona and later the Kingdom of Navarre, and remains the capital of Navarre today. The Basque name Iruña means "the city", while the name Pamplona derives from the Roman Pompaelo, named after the Roman general Pompeius, who established a Roman city here in 75 BC. In the Middle Ages, Pamplona consisted of three separately walled and frequently hostile boroughs: La Navarrería, San Cernin and San Nicolás. Charles III united them in 1423 through the Privilegio de la Unión, creating a single city.
The Sanfermines take place every year from 6 to 14 July and include the daily encierro ("running of the bulls") from 7 to 14 July. Accommodation is in very high demand during the festival, and public albergues are typically closed for all or part of the celebrations.
Pilgrims starting in Pamplona can obtain a credencial from the Albergue de peregrinos Jesús y María, the Archdiocesan offices or the Centro Diocesano Pastoral.
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 the burial place of several members of the royal family, including Charles III of Navarre and Eleanor of Castile. The present Gothic cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th centuries after its Romanesque predecessor collapsed, while the façade was added in the Neoclassical style. The cathedral also preserves its Gothic cloister and several medieval buildings originally used by the cathedral community.
Ciudadela de Pamplona
The Ciudadela is a Renaissance fortress built by order of Philip II, beginning in 1571, to defend Pamplona against attack from France and reinforce royal control over the Kingdom of Navarre. Its original five-pointed design included two bastions facing the city itself, reflecting this dual purpose; both were demolished in the late 19th century to allow Pamplona to expand.
Museo de Navarra
The Museo de Navarra occupies the former Hospital de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, which served as a hospital until 1932. Its collections cover the archaeology and art of Navarre from prehistory to the modern period. Among the exhibits are the Mano de Irulegi, an inscribed bronze hand from the 1st century BC, and the Hombre de Loizu, a nearly complete human skeleton dating to around 9400 BC.
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
