PAMPLONA CATHEDRAL
It is the jewel of the city and its visit is almost obligatory. After crossing the neoclassical façade we will see an imposing Gothic temple (28th and XNUMXth centuries) XNUMX meters high. The visit includes the cloister with its fine tracery, the kitchen, the refectory and the "Occidens" exhibition.
NEOCLASSICAL FACADE
Built in 1783 in a neoclassical style, it clashes with the rest of the cathedral complex. At least it's big and majestic. Between its towers, behind the pediment of the façade, lived the bell ringer and his family.
SAN JOSÉ GATE
In the square to which it is named, next to a beautiful fountain, appears the only medieval door to the outside that the cathedral preserves. We don't know if it's the door, or if it's because no cars pass and life hardly seems to pass by, but it's worth walking through this square. Read more
CENTRAL NAVE OF THE CATHEDRAL
It is an imposing Gothic temple (28th and XNUMXth centuries) XNUMX meters high. In its center is the tomb of Carlos III and his wife Leonor. At his feet two sighthounds are fighting over a bone, which came to represent the dispute between France and Castile over the kingdom of Navarre.
CLOISTER
It is the crowning work of the cathedral and Pamplona. The best thing is to enter and contemplate it, in silence if possible. There are four sides with six pointed arches, sculptures, a lavatory, a chapel and a garden. Told like this it may not seem like much, but once seen, why tell more.
BARBAZANA CHAPEL
We enter from the cloister to a chapel with a high and beautiful octagonal starry Gothic vault. Once visited, it is worth walking through the Ronda del Bishop Barbazán and contemplating its powerful walls and buttresses and the views from the walls.
KITCHEN
Considered an almost unique example of a Gothic kitchen, it is characterized by having chimneys in each of the corners and the octagonal lantern in the center. Its sculptural forms appear outside in a prismatic volume that reaches twenty-five meters in height.
REFECTORY
This beautiful rectangular room with large windows was the dining room, and this is attested to by its direct communication with the kitchen. Such a magnificent venue also served as a royal meeting hall and a place of worship dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier.
THE “OCCIDENS” EXHIBITION
Among others, it has received the highest award at the Core 77 Awards in New York in the Interiors and Exhibitions category. It is an invitation to discover the history of the West; a journey to the different stages of our history hand in hand with new technologies.
PRACTICAL TIPS
-To visit the cathedral, keep in mind that on Sundays the museum, which includes the cloister and the main rooms, is closed, but you can probably enter to see the temple free of charge if you find it open.
-The schedule to visit the cathedral is:
SPRING – SUMMER SCHEDULE (From the last week of March, Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday) Opening: 10:30 a.m.: Last entry and box office closing: 18:00 p.m.; Closing: 19:00 p.m. (the evacuation of the rooms begins 15 minutes before closing)
-AUTUMN – WINTER SCHEDULE (From the last week of October, Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday) Opening: 10:30 a.m.: Last entry and box office closing: 16:00 p.m. Closing: 17:00 p.m. (the evacuation of the rooms begins 15 minutes before closing)
-The cost of general admission is €5, 7-13 years old €3 and children under 7 years old €0. Pensioners, youth card and pilgrims €4.
Check the official page www.catedraldepamplona.com