The twelve Commandments of the traveler... in Pamplona
1. TOUR THE CITADEL
Philip II ordered the construction in 1571 of what is today one of the most fabulous examples of renaissance military architecture . Going through it means entering a labyrinth of gardens that dress its moats and bastions.
It is undoubtedly one of the hallmarks of the most impeccably maintained city. It has access through five gates, has been a National Historic-Artistic Monument since 1973 and functions as a true green lung for the city.
Citadel of Pamplona
two. MAKE A STOP AT THE TOWN HALL
The first time one sees the Plaza del Pamplona City Council is surprised by the dimensions, as it seems much smaller than when hundreds of locals flock to the ' Poor me'.
The imposing facade of Town Hall rococo style , built in 1755, is the only thing left of a building that has been rebuilt a few times. Of course, you can stay for hours watching it because it is simply fascinating.
3. ORDER BEER IN ZURITO OR CANYON
People from Pamplona like wine but also beer. Of course, if what you want is a caña (or a short) you have to ask for a zurito . If what you want is a double, order a cannon . If you stay thirsty, don't be shy, ask for another . Of course, do not forget to pair with some good pinchos and keep your belly satisfied because going from bar to bar in Pamplona is a non-stop task. Friend's advice.
Facade of the Pamplona City Hall
Four. GO TO A WINE TASTING
Navarra is a land of wines with its own Denomination of Origin . We are in a land not only of rosé wines, but of a wide variety of heavyweight wines. From the ** Corella muscatel days to the San Martín de Unx Rosado Day or the Lekunberri Wine Day **.
The center of Pamplona is full of places where it is easy to sign up for a tasting of these wonders. On many occasions, these tastings arise spontaneously in the same bars.
5. ENJOY THE NAVARRERÍA FOUNTAIN
The fountain has unfortunately become famous because every year it receives a whole legion of foreign tourists who come determined to jump from the top. Is stupid tradition shades a wonderful 18th century fountain whose initial location was in the intersection of Calderería, Mercaderes and Curia streets.
It was also known as Fountain of Santa Cecilia because it was located next to the Basilica of the same name, currently disappeared. There are hundreds of bars in that area, it's a better way to take care of the city's heritage. From the ground, obviously.
6. MAKE FRIENDS
Pamplona's character is incredibly affable and approachable. It is very easy to find yourself in a bar where you don't know anyone and end up making friends, burning the ground and making dawn break with the occasional photo uploaded to instagram, which you later regret having uploaded. Also, the pamplonica loves his city and is always delighted to show it to you
The charming streets of Pamplona
7. ALTERNATE ON ESTAFETA STREET
Being the street with the most famous curve of the running of the bulls (and the most dangerous), Calle Estafeta is a true festival for lovers of pinchos and beer. An essential stop is Alex Múgica's kitchen _(Estafeta, 24) _ which has a tasting menu of ten and a wide variety of pintxos at the bar, perhaps a little more sophisticated. Of course, it is not a low cost area. The good, you pay. That's how it is.
You have to stop to eat in Estafeta
8. MOVING TO JAPAN
One of the most unique green spaces in the capital of Navarra is undoubtedly the Yamaguchi park. It was conceived in 1997 by a group of Japanese landscapers as a sincere tribute to the four seasons.
Next to him is the Planetarium of the city of Pamplona, which has a dome 20 meters in diameter and a huge program of activities and exhibitions. Without a doubt, it is one of the places in the city where you can best listen to the silence and, incidentally, give an exotic touch to our trip.
Yamaguchi Park
9.**EAT IN RODERO**
Go to Pamplona and not drop by Rodero Restaurant _(Emilio Arrieta, 3) _ It's almost like going to the April Fair to eat fabada . They have been in Pamplona for more than four decades making history with wonders such as their Old beef entrecote with miso parmentier, capers and ginger and its sirloin tartare.
The second generation, the Rodero brothers, continue the tradition of their parents with a great dose of creativity, sophistication, great product and respect for traditions.
Going to Pamplona and not dropping by Rodero is like going to the April Fair to eat fabada
10. HAGGING AT THE LANDABEN MARKET
In Pamplona they can boast of having their own Rastro, like in Madrid. And it is that this peculiar market is almost the obligatory appointment of all the locals to find authentic treasures in its picturesque stalls. Its hours are on Sunday mornings, but it is not open in July and August, so you will have to wait until September, which, on the other hand, will be less hot. Now you have another excuse to return to Pamplona.
11.**LOSE YOUR HEAD IN BODEGAS OTAZU**
Already ready to take advantage of the trip to Pamplona, a nice excursion can well be made to one of the most important wineries in the Community.
Located in the town of Otazu, the famous wineries keep a crypt inside where the best wine that can be found in the region “rests”. Furthermore, in the Señorío de Otazu can visit the Church of San Esteban, a simply spectacular 12th century Romanesque temple. Of course, always with the option of going to its masterful tastings or its pairing with pinchos, two of the great bets of this great winery.
12.**BEHAVE LIKE A TRUE PAMPLONICA**
Because that will make the festivity of San Fermín what it has always been, a great and cordial party.
A true pamplonica keeps its streets clean and does not urinate in any corner. A true pamplonica does not cause scandals at so many in the morning. A true pamplonica prepares physically for weeks to run in the running of the bulls and does not run drunk. A true pamplonica respects the laws and shares his civility with tourists. And, above all, a true pamplonica respect women.