Erkuden & Michael
Pamplona
Murallas | City Walls
Go for a walk around the Pamplona city walls, which surround the Casco Viejo (Old Town). These are among the best-preserved city walls in the whole of Europe. The city of Pamplona was founded in 74 BC by the Roman military and political leader, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, better known simply as Pompey. Given its strategic location, proximity to the French border, the Pyrenees, and the regions of Aragón and La Rioja, the city was fortified from the beginning. Over time, the walls were consistently added to, modified, destroyed and reconstructed, because of the threat of attacks and to meet the growing needs of the city.
Catedral de Santa María la Real de Pamplona
The Cathedral of Pamplona, Santa María la Real, is another "must visit" Here is what you need to know: Charles the Noble initiated construction in 1397 on this 12th-century Romanesque church, which was officially completed in 1501. The high altar is crowned by a figure of the Virgin of Santa María la Real, in front of whom the kings of Navarre used to swear their oaths. The current building was constructed on the ruins of the original, which was destroyed in the 14th century. The cathedral is divided into three Gothic-style naves. The chapels are in several different styles, with the cathedral presenting a neoclassical façade, while the interior and the 14th-century cloister are Gothic. The site of the cathedral is the oldest part of the Roman Pompaelo. Archaeological excavations have revealed streets and buildings from the 1st century BC.
Iglesia San Nicolás
This is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Pamplona and also where we are getting married!! It was built in the 12th century not only with religious functions, but also as a defensive bastion of the quarter during the strife with the neighbouring ones of St. Saturnino and Navarrería. The military role is evident in the watch tower. In 1222 the original Romanesque church was destroyed by a fire, and was replaced by a new building, consecrated in 1231.
Bar Gaucho
Among the most famous pintxos bars in Pamplona, it is a must! Gaucho never disappoints, so here are some of our favorites: foie (a foie gras toast), solomillo (tenderloin), carrillera (beef cheeks), huevo trufado (truffled egg), crujiente de espinacas (spinach pastry).
Bodegón Sarria
Another of our favourite pintxo restaurants. Try the "lagarto" (pork fried meat), but be careful with pronunciation... "gato" is cat ;), "escombro" (small pressed sandwich with salty pork) and tostada de jamón ibérico (toast with top-quality Spanish ham).
Café Iruña
Overlooking the town's main square “Plaza del Castillo”, it is Pamplona’s oldest and fanciest café and Ernest Hemingway's favourite! It opened in 1888, the very same day we got electrical light in town. This is why it is decorated with hundreds of lamps and mirrors. You can't leave Pamplona without having the Spanish staple, "chocolate con churros" (hot chocolate with churros). They usually serve the hot chocolate around midday (11.30 am - 1 pm) or after 5 pm.
La Mandarra de La Ramos
This place is a must for ham lovers (you will know why the moment you walk in!). It's another great pintxo place to have a wine and a ham toast or a "frito de pimiento" (red pepper tempura).
Vermutería RÍO
This is our favorite place for vermouth in Pamplona (discovered by Mike). A vermouth with a pintxo before lunch is a must in Spain. It's also in the heart of the old town, very close to the church where the ceremony will take place. Make sure you try their "pintxo de huevo" (boiled egg wrapped in bechamel sauce and then deep-fried). If you look behind the bar they have a a count for each pintxo of that type they serve... a total tradition!!
Bar Itziar
For those already warming up to the "vermouth before lunch" tradition, this is another excellent place for it. Order the "gambas" (shrimp tempura) with your vermouth to open your appetite. We suggest you head to the french restaurant, Savoy, afterwards for a fondue or to el Mercao for some traditional Spanish dishes with a modern twist.
Restaurante Savoy Bar
This a lovely restaurant for french cuisine lovers. It has a very cozy and warm atmosphere. We like the fondue and the cheese platters. You can also grab a quick cheese or pate toast if you don't have time for a full meal. They also have a very good wine selection and a dessert fondue that is still in our list of things to try! Let us know what you think.
LA OLLA
A great restaurant with traditional Spanish food and a nice atmosphere. We like the freshly cut "plato de jamón" (ham platter), the "mejillones" (mussels) and everything in their lunch/dinner sit-down menu. You will not be disappointed! If you can't stay for lunch, they also serve pintxos.
El Mercao
This is a very cool restaurant that serves Spanish traditional dishes with a delicious modern twist. One of its walls, covered in wine bottles, looks to the inside of one of Pamplona's farmers markets.
Café Peregrino
This place serves a great cup of coffee! Give your feet a break and sit back and enjoy a nice cappuccino in a beautiful square in the heart of the old town.
La Creperia
This tiny, full of character "creperie" is one of the most unique spots in Pamplona to grab a bite on the go. Take advantage of its great location and grab a delicious crepe to go while walking around the old town. Our personal favourites: - "Queso Gruyer con Crema de Castañas" (Gruyer cheese with chestnut paste), perfect for the winter when chestnuts are in season. - Queso de Cabra, tomatitos secos y oregano (Goat cheese, dry cherry tomatoes and oregano). - Azúcar y Limón (sugar and lemon) - a classic dessert crepe). If you want to try multiple make sure to ask them to split the crepes ("partir en dos") before they start making it!