Catedral Metropolitana de Santa María la Real de Pamplona — Attraction in Pamplona

The cloister of Pamplona Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of a Gothic cloister in all of Europe and undoubtedly the best of the 14th century.

At first sight, one is taken aback by its size, its stylistic unity, the graceful elegance of its architecture and the wealth of sculptural decoration, including animal-shaped gargoyles.

A more careful look reveals, within the unity, the variations introduced during the different construction phases. The traceries of the north wing are complex than that of the east wing and are finished with a gable that projects above the vaults. In the 15th century, a second story was added.

Pamplona Cathedral was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. The cathedral's façade is Neo-Classical, added in the 18th century.

The façade is controversial. Victor Hugo was not a fan:

"The first object one looks for when one sees a city on the horizon for the first time is the cathedral. On arriving at Pamplona, ​​I had seen from afar, two abominable bell towers. If you want to imagine one of these spires, imagine four large corkscrews supporting some kind of pot-bellied and turgid vessel, which is crowned with one of those classic pots, commonly called urns, which look as if they were born from the marriage of an amphora and a jug. All of this in stone. I was perfectly angry.

Seen up close, it is even worse. The two outgrowths carved in the form of cabbage stalks and called towers are supported by a colonnade. And these turpitudes are passed off in schools as Greek and Roman art! Oh my friend, beware that what is ugly is ugly, even if it claims to be beautiful!"

The nave of Pamplona Cathedral was rebuilt during the 14th and 15th centuries in the Gothic style after the original Romanesque structure collapsed due to structural issues.

The new French Gothic design created a grand, soaring interior that replaced much of the earlier structure, emphasizing verticality and light.

Gothic architecture was usually richly decorated in vibrant colors, enhancing the visual and spiritual experience of visiting a church. Polychromy involved the application of color to architectural elements, sculptures, and decorative features, using paints, gilding, and sometimes colored materials like stone or glass.

Though much of the original polychromy has faded over time, traces of this decorative tradition remain at Pamplona Cathedral.

Polychromy, combined with the natural light filtering through stained glass windows, created an otherworldly atmosphere within Gothic cathedrals. The interplay of light and color was intended to inspire awe and elevate the spiritual experience of worshippers.

The tomb of Carlos III of Navarra and his wife, Queen Leonor de Trastámara is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Gothic funerary art.

The 15th-century alabaster tomb, commissioned by Carlos III himself, features effigies of the king and queen in regal attire. At their feet lie a lion and a pair of dogs, symbolizing the virtues of courage and loyalty. Surrounding them are intricate carvings of angels, and "pleurants" (mourning figures).

Carlos III, known as Carlos the Noble, ruled from 1387 to 1425. He was noted for promoting peace and stability in Navarra during a turbulent era in Europe, shepherding his kingdom between the more powerful neighbors of France,...

The Catedral Metropolitana de Santa María la Real de Pamplona is not only a stunning Gothic cathedral in Spain but also a place filled with fascinating history and mysteries. One of the most intriguing stories linked to the cathedral is about its hidden crypt and the tomb of King Charles III of Navarre and his wife, Eleanor of Castile.

King Charles III of Navarre, also known as Charles the Noble, ruled in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Unlike many medieval monarchs who sought military conquests, Charles was a reformer and peacemaker. His reign brought stability to Navarre, and he commissioned the reconstruction of Pamplona’s cathedral, giving it the grand Gothic façade that still stands today.

However, what makes his story eerie is the legend surrounding his tomb inside the cathedral. His sarcophagus, a stunning piece of medieval funerary art, shows the king and his wife lying in eternal repose, their hands gently clasped together—a rare depiction of love and unity in royal burials.

Locals whisper that on certain nights, when the cathedral is quiet, the sound of faint murmuring can be heard near the tomb. Some say it is the spirits of Charles and Eleanor still conversing, watching over their kingdom even in death. Others believe it is the echo of monks who once prayed continuously for the souls of the royal couple.

Adding to the mystery, beneath the cathedral lies a crypt that remained sealed for centuries. When it was finally explored, historians discovered human remains, ancient artifacts, and what appeared to be a forgotten section of the medieval church. Some even believe that secret passages exist, leading to hidden treasures or lost relics of Navarre’s past.

Whether the whispers are real or simply an effect of the cathedral’s acoustics, the Catedral de Pamplona remains a place where history and legend blend seamlessly. Would you dare to visit the tomb at night and listen for the voices...

The church is nice, cloister is wonderful even if partly closed for restorations. The museum has very good architectural and esthetic qualities, but:

1. the historical data is confusing, and it's hard to tell how much is archeological data and how much is theatre.
2. the exhibition is not about the history of the church and town, but carries a strong ideological message that sounds like "Christian values are the base of western society and values (including human rights!), and we must defend those values against the enemy: relativism (displayed as a pink room and not defined in any falsifiable way)".

You exit feeling like you have been charmed to sell you an empty ideological message. Which is what you expect from a mass, not...