Ciudadela Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ciudadela which includes a bridge, a garden and landscape views
Ciudadela showing a bridge, a garden and heritage elements
Ciudadela featuring a garden as well as a small group of people
Ciudadela featuring a garden
Ciudadela which includes a city and heritage elements

Pay a visit to an ancient fortress that is now a cultural centre, set amid grass and trees in a gorgeous green park.

Roam and relax amid the spacious surroundings of the Ciudadela, or citadel. This 16th-century fortress is in a vast urban park that encompasses, lawns, trees and moats. It is a popular spot for sports, leisure and cultural activities.

The extensive grounds cover approximately 69 acres (28 hectares), at the heart of which is the citadel. Surrounding this military stronghold is the glacis, an English-style park. Enjoy a walk or a jog along its paths or, if you want to do something a little more active, play some sports on the lawns.

Visit the citadel itself, which was constructed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries on the orders of King Philip II. The original structure formed a pentagon with five bastions in its corners, but two of these were demolished during an extension of the city. The building’s purpose was originally to defend Pamplona, but today some of its buildings host art and cultural exhibitions.

See what is on at the Polvorin, a former gunpowder storehouse, and the Sala de Armas, once a weapons building. The mixed pavilion, Pabellón de Mixtos, also occasionally hosts exhibitions. Investigate the fort's old bread oven which showcases avant-garde installations.

Continue your exploration of the fortress with a walk through its inner park. See the display of sculptures in the open-air exhibition space. Look for works by such prominent Spanish artists as Jorge Oteiza, Ricardo Ugarte and Pablo Juarros. Sit on a bench and take in the views, which include approximately 30 species of trees. For children, there is a small play area. View the citadel’s moats as you follow the central path, which also passes by ponds and sports facilities.

The Ciudadela is open every day except for a number of public holidays, and entry to the park and exhibitions is free. Get here from the city center quickly and easily on foot. Alternatively, take a taxi or drive and park for a fee in nearby lots.


Popular places to visit

Activities



Other neighbourhoods around Ciudadela

Palacio de Congresos and Auditorium of Navarra showing street scenes as well as an individual female

Primer Ensanche

4/5(1 area review)

You might appreciate the bars and historical sites in Primer Ensanche, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, Iglesia de San Nicolas and Parque de la Taconera are just a few notable stops.

Primer Ensanche
Default Image

Taconera

Travellers like the parks in Taconera, and Parque de la Taconera is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Taconera
Default Image

Iturrama

Visitors to Iturrama enjoy its historical sites, and if you want to do some exploring, University of Navarra Musuem is worth a stop.

Iturrama
Pamplona\'s City Walls and Interpretation Centre which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and a bridge

Pamplona City Centre

Unique features of Pamplona City Centre include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Plaza del Castillo or Café Iruña while you're exploring the area.

Pamplona City Centre
Default Image

San Juan

Travellers like the restaurants in San Juan, and Parque de la Taconera is a top attraction you might want to visit.

San Juan
Monumento al Encierro which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Segundo Ensanche

Unique features of Segundo Ensanche include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Monumento al Encierro or Palacio de Navarra while you're exploring the area.

Segundo Ensanche

Ciudadela Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: