Plaza del Castillo (Castle Square), Pamplona (must see)

The Castle Square stands as the vibrant heart and nerve center of Pamplona, with its expansive almost 14,000 square meters having played a pivotal role throughout the city's storied history. Its name harkens back to the castle that once graced its eastern part, built by Luis Hutín in 1310 and serving as a parade ground overlooking the square. During the Middle Ages, the Castle Square served as a neutral zone amid conflicts between three towns, boasting military significance alongside its role as a market in 1324 and an agricultural area for herbs and wheat in the 14th century.

Since 1405, it has hosted a plethora of celebrations and fairs commemorating monarchical anniversaries and the city's patron saints. Additionally, the Castle Square served as the primary venue for bullfights from 1385 to 1844, highlighting its multifaceted role in Pamplona's cultural landscape.

Over the centuries, the Castle Square has witnessed a remarkable evolution, with its functions transitioning from military parades and bullfights to leisurely pursuits such as cafes and social gatherings. The center kiosk, erected in 1943, replaced an earlier wooden structure from 1910, which itself replaced the 18th-century Beneficencia fountain by Luis Paret. Although the original Mariblanca statue from the fountain now resides in the Taconera gardens, the Castle Square continues to serve as a vibrant focal point within Pamplona's urban fabric, embodying the city's rich history and enduring spirit.