|
Pamplona, the capital of
Navarra, is
famous for the San Fermín festival
celebrated in July, also known as
The running of the bulls or encierro.
Strategically located on the River Arga, it was a significant Roman
town with a forum and hot baths. From its origins Pamplona
proved a strong will to exert its dominance over the rest of the
territory. The Romanization of the area begins in the I century B.C.
moment in which the Roman city is established producing the invasion
of the primitive Basque people. The christianization of the
territory and the cultural presence of Rome established Pamplona as
the religious and political capital. Excavations round the Cathedral
have manifested the existence of a fully developed city the
Ciudadela. The Museum of Pamplona holds evidence of this crucial
stage in the history of the city. It remained closed behind its
walls until the beginnings of the XX century. The population lived
compelled to the limited space between the city walls. Finally, in
1905 the walls fall, from the
Taconera to the Labrit, allowing an organised urban expansion
towards the South. Nowdays, Pamplona proves to us that a medieval
town can be adapted to the needings of our century without damaging
its integrity. The 16th century town-walls, which enclose wide areas
of the urbanisation still today, are impressing. They are, in a way,
the backbone of the town and serve to the visitor as orientation for
his walks through Pamplona. Alongside them we find nice parks, wide
avenues and the oldest monuments. |
