The first major city on the route. Head for the Plaza del Castillo, the centre for much of the activity in the city.

Pamplona has been the capital of Navarra since the 9th c. and before that it was a powerful fortress town defending the northern approaches to Spain over the Pyrenees. Founded by the Romans as Pompaelo in 75 AD.

The Catedral de Santa María is situated in the Old Town or the Casco Viejo and is built on the same site as the ancient Roman city of Pompaelo. The Cathedral is an excellent example of the architecture of the Gothic period of the 14th and 15th centuries and is home to the largest number of important relics and works of art in the city. For 300 years the Cathedral was the seat of the Royal Court and was the scene of coronations and meetings of parliament. The neoclassical façade was designed by Ventura Rodríguez. It contrasts with the Gothic interior where in the 28-metre-high central nave lies the tomb of Carlos III of Navarre and his wife, Eleanor of Castile. However the greatest feature of this Cathedral is its cloister, considered among the most impressive in the Gothic world. Of particular note: The gothic style cloister with 24 pointed arches and five doors. The wood and silver carving of Santa María la Real from the 12th century and the Barbazana chapel.

The Diocesan Museum (10:00-13:30 & 16:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-14:00) 3.60€, is housed in the old refectory and kitchen and entered via the cloisters.

Behind the Cathedral is one of the oldest parts of the city and the best preserved parts of the city walls. Museo de Navarra (Tues-Sat 10:00-14:00 & 17:00-19:00, Sun 11:00-14:00) 2€. Archaeology, history of Navarre and an art collection, including a Goya portrait. The 13th c. church next to the museum has a statue of St James over the main altar

Church and Mass - The Cathedral of Santa María la Real. Mass at 10:30, Sunday 10:00 and 12:00.

Warning: It is very difficult to find any accommodation in Pamplona during the annual festival of San Fermín (July 6 to 14) the world famous ‘running of the bulls’.

Camino route through Pamplona: Portal de Francia, calles Carmen, Navarreria, Mercadores, Plaza Ayuntamiento, San Saturnino, Mayor, el Bosquecillo, Navas de Toloso, Pio XII, Vuelta del Castillo and Fuente de Hierro

The waymarking on the way out of Pamplona to the south takes you either across or around a large park. Some bars open at 06:30.