Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Church · Pamplona, Navarra
Iglesia de San Saturnino
13th‑century Gothic church with fortress‑like towers, in the old borough of San Cernin, linked to the tradition of the arrival of Christianity in Pamplona.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Iglesia de San Saturnino
In the Middle Ages Pamplona was made up of three nuclei separated by walls and often at war with each other: the Navarrería, around the cathedral, and the boroughs of San Cernin and San Nicolás. The church of San Saturnino, called by residents San Cernin, was the church of the borough of the same name and also served as a fortress.
The current building is Gothic, from the 13th century, and replaced a Romanesque church. The two tall towers, of brick and stone, with the look of defensive towers, define the skyline of the old town. The main portal, beneath a porch, has Gothic sculptures with scenes from the life of Christ and the Last Judgment.
Tradition holds that São Saturnino, bishop of Toulouse, baptized the first Christians of Pamplona in a well that stood in front of the church, now marked by a plaque in the street pavement. Inside, the church has a wide nave, Baroque altarpieces and the chapel of the Virgem do Caminho, patron saint of the city together with São Firmino.
It lies on the pilgrims' route, which crosses the old town from east to west, and is a few steps from the town hall.
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
15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
During the day, combine it with the encierro route and the town hall next door. During Masses, visits are restricted.
How to get there
It is on rua San Saturnino, in the old town, about a 5‑minute walk from the town hall square and the Plaza del Castillo.
Tip
Look on the ground in front of the church for the plaque that marks the well where, according to tradition, São Saturnino baptized the city's first Christians.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Iglesia de San Saturnino
Why does the church of San Saturnino look like a fortress?
Because it also served to defend the burgo of San Cernin, at a time when Pamplona's neighborhoods fought among themselves.
Who was São Saturnino?
A bishop of Toulouse who, according to tradition, baptized Pamplona's first Christians in a well in front of the church.
Where is the church of San Saturnino?
In the old town, about a 5-minute walk from the praça da prefeitura.