We wanted to walk the route out of the old town, just to be sure, and in doing so we found some interesting corners in Pamplona. This was our fourth day in Pamplona but the sights were new, and the walk relaxing.
Walking along the Arga River
We walked down the Calle Santa Domingo, through the Portal Nuevo and past the enclosure where the bulls are held before they run through the town. Then down the hill and over the bridge over the Arga River.
From here we walked along the river, in the wide green Arga River Park around the bottom of the walls and round to the Calle Vergel. The park covers 250 acres (100 hectares) and has ash, willow, alder, lime and blackthorn trees, amongst others.
A lift carried us up the walls, towards the bullring, and refreshment at the La Olla Restaurant/Cafe.
Some quiet streets
The Calle Estafeda is a busy street, full of shops and tourists, but the streets beyond – San Augustin, Merced, Dormitaleria and Caldereria – are quiet, residential streets and completely different.
A quiet little square, the Plaza de la Campania, hides away here, with more notices about ETA activities.
Alfredo Belascoain was only 14 years old when he was caught in a trap set for the local police by ETA. He, and one of the policemen, Francisco Sanchez, were killed by a bomb explosion.
The Cathedral
When we visited the Cathedral we entered through the front door. Now we walked around the side to find another massive facade, and quiet little square, and some very old houses in the Calle Redin. The raised, enclosed passage enabled nuns in the Carmelite Convent to cross the road while remaining sequestered.
We walked back to the hotel along the walls to complete several very enjoyable hours.
In the evening
In the evening we had supper in the Cafe Irune – very nice – and then walked back to the hotel through some interesting back streets.
The Palace of the Constable dates from the 16th century. It was a private palace, but used for various administrative purposes over time. It is now a Civic Centre which houses the Pablo Sarasate Museum, which I didn’t visit.
And so to bed, after exploring some interesting corners in Pamplona.
I would love to hear from you!