Must-See Museums In Pamplona Spain

Located in the Navarre province of Spain, Pamplona is known for the Fiesta de San Fermín, or Running of the Bulls festival, held in July. It’s also a major stop along the Carmino de Santiago, a medieval pilgrimage route and it has many Gothic-style churches scattered throughout. However, there are also a variety of excellent museums to visit anytime of the year. Here are our top picks.

1. Museo de Navarra

Museum

Located in an ancient hospital of Our Lady of Mercy and a museum since 1956, the Museum of Navarra traces the history of the region from Prehistoric times to present day. Its most significant pieces include the first-century Roman mosaic of the Triumph of Bacchus, the Romanesque capitals of Pamplona’s ancient cathedral, and the portrait of the Marquis of San Adrián painted by Goya. The museum also displays modern artwork by painters related to the region, and temporary exhibits that change every few months. It’s definitely worth a visit for all those interested in history and art. It’s also always free for children and seniors, and free for all visitors on Saturdays from 5pm to 7pm and Sundays 11am to 2pm.
Price: €2
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-2pm & 2pm-5pm; Sundays & holidays 11am-2pm; Closed Tuesday
Watch out for: The ivory chest from the Monastery of Leire, sculpted in 1005

2. Cathedral Museum

Cathedral, Museum, Church

The Cathedral Museum is part of a larger complex that is one of the best-preserved in all of Spain. It houses extensive collections from many eras, among them Romanesque Gothic sculptures of the Virgin Mary dating from 12th to 15th century, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures from the 17th-18th century, and various processional silver crosses from the 14th to 18th century. The cloister and kitchen are also noteworthy, as both are beautiful examples of European Gothic art in themselves, and the kitchen is one of only three surviving examples of Gothic kitchens throughout Europe. You could spend ages in this gorgeous complex, and it’s a must-see for all those interested in religious art and architecture.
Price: Adults/Children €5/€3
Hours: April-October: Monday-Saturday 10:30am-7pm, Closed Sunday
November-March: Monday-Saturday 10:30am-5pm, Closed Sunday
Watch out for: The alabaster tombs of various kings and queens.