Pamplona


Pamplona Streets
Today we left San Sebastian and headed towards Pamplona.  Also known as Iruna, the ancient city is thought to have been founded by the Roman general Pompey. 
Plaza del Torros
Upon arriving in Pamplona we made our way to the Plaza de Torros. This stadium is where the bullfights occur during the festival of Los San- Fermines.  After passing through the small narrow streets of the old town, "the running of the bulls" ends at this point.  Since the festival is in July we did not have to avoid any raging bulls, although Luis almost did get trampled by a bronze bull.  

Near Miss
Semana Santa Float
Our first stop was at the 18th century gothic Cathedral where mass was just finishing.  We quietly toured the church while listening to the sermon and music echo through the enormous church.  In the center of the cathedral lie the alabaster tombs of Carlos III and Queen Leonor.


Convent de Las
Carmelitas Descalzas
We walked around the streets through the central plaza to the east walls of the old fortress.  Now, a lovely park, the walls look over the newer part of the city and the surrounding hills.  Circling back we walked back down to the Plaza de Torros and visited the Fortin de San Bartomole.
View from the old city walls 










Fortin de San Bartomole

 





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