Pamplona History & Culture Walk, Pamplona

Explore the historical city of Pamplona with a private guide and learn why the capital of Navarra is much more than its infamous Running of the Bulls event. Though you will walk the same streets as the annual runners, you'll also learn about the city's origins, its cultural heritage, and how Ernest Hemingway put it on the global map. Along the way, you'll visit numerous sites in its Old Town, including the Pamplona Cathedral, Plaza del Castillo, and the old city walls.

Enjoy a private walk through the city of Pamplona, the capital of Navarra. Though this metropolis gets its reputation from the annual Running of the Bulls event, there's a lot more to see and do. After settling into your accommodation, head into the Old Town for a guided walk through the city. You'll meet your guide at ​​Plaza del Castillo for an introduction to Pamplona's history, then stop at Bar Txoko, one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite taverns in the city.

Continue your walk and listen to your guide detail the city's founding, known in Basque as Iruña, which began with the arrival of the Romans and the founding of Pompaelo. Your first stop is the Monument to the Fueros, a large, ornate site dedicated to the province's "Foral" laws. Navarra is the only Spanish province with these laws, which allows it to maintain its own law or legal system. Of course, Spain's provinces are autonomous, but Navarra is the only one where such laws protect this right. 

Next, make your way to Plaza de los Burgos to view the historic Town Hall, where the annual San Fermín festivities and Running of the Bulls begin. Walk along the same streets as the runners and view the fences. You'll also visit the Monumento al Encierro, the sculpture by Rafael Huerta to depict the bull run, known as El Encierro. Learn even more about the event by viewing the Cuesta de Santo Domingo, the first section of the run, and where the bulls are released.

Then, walk by the Church of San Saturnino before switching to ancient history by strolling along the city's walls, stopping to admire the Portal of France and the perfect photo opportunity near the famous White Horse bar. You'll end your walk by visiting the Cathedral of Pamplona, ​​where your guide will detail the building's facade and its many unique stories and legends. Bid your guide farewell back at the starting point, Plaza del Castillo.