Today’s stage from Zuriain to Pamplona is a lighter day in the boots. As we work our way into Pamplona, we come across the 15th-century Cathedral of Santa María la Real, known for its beautiful cloisters and intricate facade. Pamplona’s patron saint is San Fermín, and in keeping with tradition, this energetic university city is always filled with tourists and locals, ready to keep the festivities going! After our morning walk, it’s time to stop for lunch, another gourmet picnic with a view!
Pamplona is the capital and largest city of the region of Navarre, with a history dating back to ancient times. Its yearly San Fermín Festival takes place between July 6th and July 14th and draws attention from across the globe. The festival includes the famous “Running of the Bulls” (Encierro) in which bulls are let loose in the city’s streets and a group of participants running in front of the stampede leads them to the bullring. Before dinner we find time to walk the streets of this famous tradition.
The city itself boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage and has preserved most of its medieval walls and the historic layout of narrow streets. While exploring the city we come across notable sites including the Pamplona Cathedral, the Plaza del Castillo, and the Citadel of Pamplona. Indeed, the Camino de Santiago enters the city through the northern historic medieval gate, the same one used by pilgrims for centuries.
After a day of city exploring, it’s time to sit down for our nightly meeting and a dinner of local fare.
