Parque de La Taconera (La Taconera Park), Pamplona (must see)

La Taconera Park is the city's oldest and most enchanting green space. Designed in 1830, the park exudes a romantic ambiance with its French-style gardens, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustling urban environment. Originally constructed as a bastion in the 17th century to reinforce the city's defenses, the Taconera bastion underwent transformation around 1940, replacing its military infrastructure with a stone parapet to accommodate leisurely strolls and promenades.

As visitors wander through La Taconera Park, they are greeted by a picturesque landscape adorned with a diverse array of trees and plants. Towering beeches, majestic magnolia trees, and unique ginkgos biloba punctuate the park's greenery, creating a serene backdrop for leisurely walks. Alongside these botanical wonders, laurels, hollies, and a towering sequoia tree measuring 40 meters in height contribute to the park's lush and vibrant atmosphere. One of the park's highlights is the charming Café Vienés, housed within a former bicycle rental kiosk, where visitors can relax amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Beyond its botanical delights, La Taconera Park boasts a small open-air zoo, offering glimpses of wildlife amid its verdant landscape. Ducks, swans, deer, peacocks, pheasants, geese, and fish inhabit the park's moats, adding an element of enchantment to the park experience. Additionally, the park serves as a veritable outdoor museum, adorned with several sculptures that adorn its pathways. Notable among these is the Monument to Julián Gayarre, crafted by Fructuoso Orduna in 1950, which graces the central promenade. Other sculptures, including a bust honoring the composer Hilarión Eslava and the Monument to Charity, known as "La Mari Blanca," further enrich the park's cultural landscape.