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Fortress · Pamplona, Navarra
Ciudadela de Pamplona
Renaissance citadel in the shape of a five-pointed star, commissioned by Philip II in 1571; today it is a park and cultural center, surrounded by the Vuelta del Castillo park.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ciudadela de Pamplona
The citadel of Pamplona was commissioned by King Philip II in 1571 to strengthen the city's defense on the border with France. The project was by the Italian military engineer Giacomo Palearo, known as Fratin, following the theory of Italian Renaissance fortifications: a five-pointed star with bastions at the vertices, moats and sloped walls, designed to resist artillery.
The citadel remained a military garrison until 1964. Afterwards it passed to the city, which transformed the interior into a park with lawns, trees and the old military buildings—such as magazines and barracks—used for exhibitions and cultural activities. In 2012 it received the European heritage award Europa Nostra for its conservation.
For the visitor it is an open-air walk: you can stroll along the bastions, descend into the moats and enter the exhibition rooms. Around it, the Vuelta del Castillo park, a large lawn, occupies the former firing range, free of buildings.
The citadel is on the southern edge of the old town, between the historic center and the 20th-century expansion neighborhoods, and connects to the walls and the Taconera park.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
On sunny days, to walk the bastions and lawns. The exhibition buildings have their own opening hours; check the schedule.
How to get there
It is in the south of the old town, about a 10-minute walk from Plaza del Castillo and near the bus station.
Tip
Climb one of the bastions to understand the star shape of the fortress, which can only be seen from above.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ciudadela de Pamplona
Who built the citadel of Pamplona?
King Filipe II ordered it built in 1571, to a design by the Italian engineer Giacomo Palearo, known as Fratin.
Why does the citadel have a star shape?
It's the model of Renaissance fortresses, with bastions at the vertices to cover all sides with artillery. Pamplona's has five points.
Is the citadel of Pamplona open?
Yes. Since it ceased to be a military area in 1964, it has been a public park with buildings used for exhibitions.