| Pamplona is the capital
of Navarre and has 180,000 of the approximately half a million inhabitants
within the province. The name Pamplona is derived from that of the
Roman general Pompey, who encamped on a hill next to the river Arga in
the winter of the years 75-74 B.C. This hill was possibly the site of a
primitive Basque village and it was from here that the city of Pamplona
developed. The city became an Episcopal See in the 6th c. and in the Middle
Ages it was divided into three districts or "burgs" (La Navarreria, San
Nicolas and San Cernin). These districts had their own walls and very often
there were confrontations between them. However, in 1423, Carlos III "El
Noble" decreed, they should be united forever under the Concession of Union.
THE CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral was built
between the 14th and 15th on the site of an ancient Romanesque cathedral
that has long since disappeared. However, its neoclassical facade was built
at the end of the 18thc and was the work of Ventura Rodriguez. Its interior
has recently been restored. It consists of a nave and two aisles in the
form of a Roman cross. The cloister (1277-1472) is considered to be one
of the finest examples of its kind in all medieval European architecture.
Inside the Cathedral is the mausoleum of the monarchs Carlos III (1378-1425)
and his wife, Leonor de Trastamara, made in alabaster by Jehan de Lome
in the 15th c. The "Mary" bell (1584) is, at about 13,000 kg. in weight,
the second heaviest in Spain after another that can be found in Toledo.
THE CITADEL AND THE WALLS
Although, today, these locations
are perfect for taking a walk and for relaxation, they both serve to remind
us of the fortress-like character that Pamplona once had. Following the
union of the three districts in the 15th c. the inner walls were demolished
and the outer walls strengthened. This work was completed in the 16th and
17th c. The continuing growth of the city brought about the demolition
of another part of the walls from 1912 onwards. The Citadel was built by
order of Philip II after 1571. Two of its five bastions were partially
destroyed in 1890 to allow for the construction of the "Primer Ensanche"
(first stage of suburban development). Today it has a park and several
exhibition halls. |
