OLD TOWN OF PAMPELUNE

The old part of the city is full of stately homes and buildings of great interest, architectural and historical monuments. Among these are the fortress church of San Nicolás, the houses decorated with coats of arms on Calle de la Zapateria, the Neptune Fountain in the Plaza del Consejo, the General Library of Navarre, the church of San Saturnino with its two tall towers, emblematic of Pamplona's skyline, and the convent of the Recollects Mothers. The less adventurous can also walk through the streets where thebull run takes place (don't worry, the bulls won't be there): leave from Santo Domingo Street where the corral is located, walk up Cuesta de Santo Domingo passing in front of the military hospital - the most dangerous stretch during thebull run because the bulls, with their shorter front legs, gain speed and catch up more easily with the men. A monument erected in homage to thebull run can be seen here, carved by the sculptor Rafael Huerta. The military hospital will take you to the Plaza Consistorial, where you will find the town hall, a magnificent building that mixes baroque and neoclassical styles, from which the famous txupinazo that announces the beginning of the San Fermines is launched. Then take Calle de los Mercaderes, which leads you to the world-famous Calle de la Estafeta, which runs in a straight line to the Plaza de los Toros. Imagine the crowded streets and the bulls chasing each other and running amok..