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Historic route · Pamplona, Navarra
Recorrido del Encierro
The roughly 850-metre route through the streets of the old town where the bulls run on the mornings of the San Fermín festival, from the Cuesta de Santo Domingo to the bullring.
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 Recorrido del Encierro
The encierro is the best-known moment of the São Firmino festivities, from July 6 to 14. On the mornings of July 7–14, at 8 a.m., the bulls that will run in the afternoon bullfight are released from the corrals and led through the streets of the center to the bullring, with hundreds of runners ahead. The run lasts only a few minutes.
The route is about 850 metres long and can be walked year-round. It starts at the corrals of Santo Domingo and climbs the Cuesta de Santo Domingo, where the image of São Firmino stands, in front of which runners sing before the start. It passes the town hall square, where at noon on July 6 the chupinazo is fired—the rocket that opens the festival—continues along rua Mercaderes, makes the tight turn onto rua Estafeta, the longest straight stretch, and ends at the bullring.
In front of the bullring there is a statue of Hemingway, and on avenida Roncesvalles, nearby, the Monumento ao Encierro, a group of life‑size bronze sculptures of bulls and runners.
Outside the festival period, the route is a stroll through the old town, with shops, bars and the wooden fences kept in storage awaiting July.
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 30 to 45 minutes on foot.
Best time
All year round as a walk. During the festival, anyone who wants to see the encierro must arrive very early at the fences or rent a spot on balconies; the streets get very crowded.
How to get there
The route begins at the Cuesta de Santo Domingo, next to the Museu de Navarra, and ends at the bullring, a few minutes from the Plaza del Castillo.
Tip
During the festivals, the stands at the bullring and rented balconies offer a good view of the encierro. Running in the encierro has its own rules and requires physical preparation; make sure to get proper information beforehand.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Recorrido del Encierro
How long is the encierro route?
About 850 meters, from the corrals of Santo Domingo to the praça de touros, passing by the praça da prefeitura, along rua Mercaderes and the Estafeta.
What time is the encierro?
At 8:00 a.m., on July 7–14. The run lasts only a few minutes.
Can you do the encierro route outside the festival?
Yes. The streets are public and the route can be walked year-round, as a stroll through the old town.
Where can you watch the encierro?
From the stands of the praça de touros, from rented balconies, or next to the fences—if you arrive very early. The streets get packed.