Designated a National Monument, the Citadel of Pamplona is one of the finest examples of Renaissance military architecture in Spain and a prominent defensive complex in Europe. Its construction began in 1571 during the reign of Philip II, following the plans of the military engineer Giacomo Palearo, known as “El Fratín.” Inspired by the Citadel of Antwerp, its pentagonal design with five bastions at the corners was adapted to the new warfare techniques of the time, designed to withstand artillery fire.
Originally, the interior of the Citadel was laid out like a small military community, with radial alleyways converging on the central square, or parade ground.
In 1888, two of its bastions and a ravelin were partially demolished to make way for the city’s first expansion. Given to the City Council in 1964, the Citadel and all the green space that surrounds it will become a unique space for the inhabitants of Pamplona, combining history, culture and nature.