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Fortification · Pamplona, Navarra
Murallas de Pamplona
The walls that encircle the north and east of the old town, with the Portal de Francia—where pilgrims enter—and the Caballo Blanco viewpoint.
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 Murallas de Pamplona
Pamplona was a fortified stronghold on the border with France, and much of the walls built between the 16th and 18th centuries remain standing, encircling the old town to the north and east along the bend of the Arga river. With bastions, ravelins and gates, they are among the best-preserved city fortifications in Spain.
The Portal de Francia, dating from 1553, is the gate through which pilgrims on the Camino Francés enter the city, coming from the medieval puente de la Magdalena over the river. It still has the chains of the old drawbridge and the coat of arms of Emperor Charles V. Just above it is the Redín bastion and the Caballo Blanco viewpoint, a terrace beside a stone mansion with views over the Arga valley and the mountains of northern Navarra.
A path follows the wall from end to end. To the west, the Taconera park occupies the former moat, with gardens and free-roaming animals, and the Portal de San Nicolás. To the south, the walls connect to the citadel.
Panels along the way tell the history of each section, and the fortifications interpretation center in the fortín de San Bartolomé explains the ensemble.
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
Allow 1 to 2 hours for the walls walk.
Best time
Late afternoon for the view of the Caballo Blanco with the low sun. Early in the morning you can see pilgrims arriving through the Portal de Francia.
How to get there
The Portal de Francia and the Caballo Blanco viewpoint are in the north of the old town, about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral and 10 minutes from Plaza del Castillo.
Tip
To enter like the pilgrims, go down to the puente de la Magdalena over the Arga river and climb the ramp up to the Portal de Francia.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Murallas de Pamplona
What is the Portal de Francia?
It is the gate in the walls, dating from 1553, through which pilgrims on the Camino Francés enter Pamplona. It still has the chains of the old drawbridge.
Where is the Caballo Blanco viewpoint?
On the Redín bastion, in the northern part of the old town, next to the Portal de Francia and near the cathedral.
Can you walk along the walls of Pamplona?
Yes. A path runs along the walls, with panels about the history of each section, from the Portal de Francia to the parque de la Taconera and the citadel.