Medieval Pamplona

Sep 6
13:58

2013

Maria Kruk

Maria Kruk

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Pamplona is a great travel destination in northern Spain, which can take you right in to the medieval past!

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Pamplona appears to be a great example of small and cozy town that has preserved its image since the Middle Ages. Numerous castles in the Old City and old-fashioned architecture testify to city adherence to past traditions and resistance to modern trends. Probably,Medieval Pamplona Articles in Pamplona travelers are likely to feel the spirit of Spain as it is, especially when San Fermín fiesta embraces the entire town in July.

For those coming to Pamplona in other time, there are many things to do and to see. As it was mentioned, this town is a picture of medieval Spain, and therefore sightseeing around promises to be quite interesting and exciting. San Salvador de Leire in Pamplona, one of the oldest monasteries in Spain, was founded in the 9th century. During its history it was patronized by Navarre kings and Moors’ rulers, but still the building managed to survive till nowadays, so does its prime goal; lots of pilgrims travel to San Salvador de Leire annually. The significance of the monastery is also underlined by the fact it is a stop on the famous El Camino de Santiago (St. James Way).

Pamplona Citadel was once a great fort, which was built by the order of King Philip II to protect Spain from the northern invaders. In contrast today it is more a park, where local and travelers might enjoy a view of powerful stone walls and, in addition, fascinating fireworks in the days of San Fermín festival. If going to the top of the site, one can see a great panorama of Pamplona.

Every year on July 6th a rocket fires from the balcony of the Town Hall, heralding the beginning of the annual festival of San Fermín and the start of bulls’ running. In fact, it is the biggest event in the festival program. Spaniards call it “encierro” meaning running with the bulls along the city streets. Alongside the race, often accompanied by human losses, there are bullfights, carnivals, performances. Speaking of the bullfights’ popularity in Pamplona, it is impossible not to mention Pamplona arena that is the second biggest in Spain after Madrid. It accommodates nearly 20 thousand people.

Pamplona main square, Plaza del Castillo, is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, many of which have terraces. Here, in the cafe Iruña, Ernest Hemingway used to sit (there is even his statue inside). So, it is a good spot to taste good Spanish cuisine and observe the livelihood of medieval Pamplona in real time.

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