Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Pamplona and San Fermin


Pamplona is a modern, welcoming city with vestiges of its medieval past throughout the town providing visitors a glimpse into a fascinating culture. This culture can be lived and seen in the culture, people and gastronomy of the region.

As the capital of the region of Navarra, and as a key stopping point along the Camino de Santiago, it has been receiving pilgrims at the Magdalena gate for centuries. That makes the gate an ideal starting point for any visit, where you can discover and explore the city walls. Visiting the city takes you to the XII-century Santa Maria la Real Cathedral, with its neoclasiccal facade and French-style gothic cloister. Stops along the way also should include the Plaza del Castillo and the Church-Fortresses of San Nicholas and San Saturnino.

Nonetheless, when we talk of Pamplona, everyone immediately thinks of San Fermin, the most internationally recognized festival in Spain: The Running of The Bulls. Immortalized by Hemmingway and visited by thousands every year, this festival runs from noon on July 6 through midnight on July 14. In between the torino festival includes everything from bullfights, “el chupinazo”, parades, and giants. Be aware that the San Fermin Festival usually fills up months in advance, and last-minute booking can be extremely difficult and expensive.

While you are there, don’t miss the chance to try the rich chorizos, sausages and, during the San Fermin fetival, any dish made from toro de lidia. Navarra is also well known for producing rosé wines of excellent quality, and missing out on one of these fantastic, underappreciated wines would be to miss out on a piece of the culture of the land itself.

From The Spanish Touch we propose you take the opportunity to spend a few days enjoying this unique tradition (from as close or far as you want. It can be easily included in a visit to Baque Country, Rioja and/or Barcelona. To visit the town of Pamplona at any time of year, contact The Spanish Touch or visit our webpage and we can create your personal itinerary taking you to the sites and activities that most interest you.

No comments:

Post a Comment