Venture away from Pamplona’s Old Town and spend a day exploring Parque de la Taconera (Taconera Park). This is one of several superbly maintained parks and gardens that decorate the city and feature sections of the City Walls of Pamplona. Parque de la Taconera started life as a field set adjacent to the historic borough of San Cernin. It became part of the city’s fortified center after the construction of the Citadel, and its gardens were laid out in 1830.
There are several entrances to the park, the most remarkable of which is the Portal de San Nicolás. This Baroque-style triumphal arch was once one of the gateways into the walled city of Pamplona. Constructed in a similar style is the Portal de la Taconera, which is another ancient city gate.
Tree-lined pathways intersect the park and run alongside grassy lawns. Spot artistic monuments such as one dedicated to the Spanish tenor Julián Gayarre and Luis Paret’s Mariblanca statue. There’s also an ornamental garden that honors the musician Miguel Hilarión Eslava. Children will have fun on the climbing frame and swings at the small playground.
The park’s mini zoo, where deer, peacocks, pheasants, rabbits, swans and other animals roam, is located in what was once moats.
The park is a 5-minute walk from Parque Antoniutti and a 10-minute walk from the Citadel. Other nearby city attractions include Church of San Lorenzo. Public buses stop close to the Portal de San Nicolás.
Parque de la Taconera is open daily and admission is free. It’s a good spot for a picnic on a warm summer day. Alternatively, you can purchase coffee, soft drinks, pastries, sandwiches and tapas at the park’s café.
