Keeping the Bull Run Tradition at Pamplona

Ernest Hemingway put Pamplona on the map with his exposition of the bull runs in his best seller “The Sun Also Rises”. Pamplona has long been a center of attraction with the bull-run tradition from the medieval times where herdsmen drive their bulls across the plains and town streets into the bull ring within the city.

Pamplona is an important city between Castilia and France which embodies a diverse architecture, cuisine, culture, tradition and customs since the days of past epochs. The various influences from the Visigoths, Moors, Franks and Romans shaped the city to what it is today.

St. Fermin festival

One of the most popular festivals in Pamplona is the St. Fermin festival in July. Hundreds of international visitors come to Pamplona to join in the festivity which brings thousands of locals across the region.

Thousands of people of all races throng the city streets to watch dozens of bulls released to run the cordoned city streets directing the bulls to the bull ring before confronting skilled matadors. Older folks and families are wise to observe the annual ritual from a safe location while adventurous thrill-seekers participate in excitement.

Outcome

Although the bull run is part and parcel of a steep tradition in Pamplona, there is a certain level of risk involved where participants and by-standers can be injured in the event. One such undesirable incident is the death of an American youth who was gored to death in 1995 by a bull. Another runner was experienced the same fate in 1924.

Many young and enthusiastic runners are still game to participate in the Bull Run despite the risks involved which only heightens the mystique of the festival. Tourists are advised to stay on the safe sidelines to observe the event while they are free to join in the merry making later in the night with music, dancing, singing and fireworks. There are plenty of activities which liven up the place and festival during the eight day event.

Satisfaction

The experience one feels during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona and villa spanje   is unlike any other experience on a holiday. The bull running event may last only a few minutes but the experience would last a lifetime. It is definitely an experience that would change the outlook of a participant which money cannot buy.

Hence, it is not surprising that tourists flock to Pamplona for a personal experience with the most talked about tradition in Spain.

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Panoramic Treks and Trails of Ronda

Ronda is a mystical town in Malaga that is set in the surroundings of dark and angular mountains. The whole drama unfolds with the majestic natural landscapes around Ronda which lies on the isolated sierra ridge that is divided into two by El Tajo, a majestic gaping river gorge that drops steeply down 130m at its other sides. The gorge gives sight to a spectacular 18th century Puente Nuevo which is an ancient arched bridge with tall whitewashed houses seemingly sitting on its edges precariously.

Town attractions

Within the town, Ronda offers a tranquil environment for a leisure stroll by Río Guadalévin for some extraordinary views down donkey tracks leading through the vast rich valleys. Along the way, bird watchers would enjoy sighting lesser kestrels in their nests while flying to and fro from the high cliffs right below Alameda Park. Further down the same spot, one can view other feathered species like crag martins. Ronda is well visited by day trippers from all around Costa del Sol.

Ronda can be enjoyed in three sections; its northwest is the modernized Mercadillo quarter; Ciudad lies across the ancient bridge; at the south is the San Francisco suburb. Ciudad is an ancient Moorish town that has retained the Moorish characteristics through its houses with several fine Renaissance mansions. There are many intricate paths for a visitor to discover through random wandering.

Further discoveries

One can cross the bridge to Calle Santo Domingo which is also called Calle Marqués de Parada that would lead to No. 17 Casa del Rey Moro; this 18th century mansion has Moorish foundations and a lovely garden which is open to the public on a daily basis. An interesting underground stairway called the Mina leads the way down to the river in 365 steps.

The river is the main source of water supply in times of old especially when the city was under siege; this ancient site also has a viewing balcony to admire the towering rock walls of Tajo and its species of birds that make their habitat there.

Going on one would locate Marqués de Salvatierra Palace which is an excellent Renaissance mansion that displays an odd form of Adam and Eve sculpture on its portal. No visits to the house interior are allowed since 2000. At the foothills, one would find two ancient town bridges called Puente Viejo and Puente de San Miguel, vakantievilla spanje ; the former was built in 1616 while the former is a Moorish single span structure with amazing sturdiness.



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And here you can read my articles at Alissha Johnson's Articles and my bookmarks at Alissha Johnson's Bookmarks.

Available Attractions in Pamplona

Pamplona’s greatest attraction is in July at the San Fermin festival. One can join the thousands of observers and participants in this festival which is more a tradition than religious although there is a strong religious stance to it. There are many attractions in Pamplona that would occupy the visitors’ time effortlessly with a full satisfaction.

Town offerings

The town center is a well planned structure with Plaza del Castillo located right in the city center. This spot is a lovely place to enjoy Pamplona at any time of the day with its beautifully tree-lined paths that lead to some of the city’s exciting ancient monuments such as the majestic cathedral that has a splendid French Gothic interior. This cathedral showcases some beautiful cloisters and impressive sculptures. The ancient walls, Roman artifacts and quality art pieces are sights that would be worthy of more than a look. The Navarre Museum houses many of the excellent art and history relics of the region for those who are interested in the colorful history of Pamplona and its surroundings.

Stay options

Pamplona has a rich and colorful history which can be discovered leisurely. There are numerous value hotels at the city center to cater to holidaymakers who want to get a taste of Pamplona like the locals.

There are many suitable stay options in Pamplona and its surroundings which are very affordable to tourists. Many of the hotels at Pamplona are comfortable with modern facilities. Their proximity to the city center makes them an attractive choice of stay which makes traveling to places of interest easy and convenient.

Most hotel options in Pamplona have very relaxing facilities for their guests; the public lounge is air conditioned to allow guests to relax and interact with one another after some sightseeing in the city.

All hotels in Pamplona and  vakantiehuis spanje would be fully booked months in advance to July for the San Fermin festival.

Bull running

The bull running and bull fights are two major happenings during the San Fermin festival. There would be thousands of people in the city for these spectacular sights where men and bulls run together on the streets with humans trying to avoid the bulls. The bulls are lured to the city bull ring for a stand off with skilled matadors.

Tourists throng Pamplona to get a first hand experience of the bull running and bull fight. The adrenalin runs high at the astounding sight of fearless men in smart matador attire teasing the luring the bulls in the ring before overcoming the beast with a stab of the sword for victory.


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Amazing Ronda Attractions

Ronda town has plenty of amazing attractions which draw large crowds to it every year. The town and its surroundings offer beautiful natural landscapes that are tranquil and ideal for a relaxing holiday for the lone individual or family.

Ancient beauties

There are obvious hump-shaped cupolas at the river banks on the southwest region as well as unique glass roof-windows at old Baños Árabes which are open to the public for viewing at no cost. A 13th century old Roman bath has been recently restored utilizing the Roman system that offers cold, hot or tepid baths. Great effort has been put in to preserve this ancient structure. There are well preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling as well as octagonal brickwork pillars that support horseshoe arches which showcase the impressive architectural sophistication of that epoch.

At the Ciudad quarter stands Plaza Duquesa de Parcent which is Ronda’s town square that is of exquisite beauty. In the center is Santa María La Mayor Cathedral which stands in the site of a former Arab mosque. One can view the graceful external structures that combine Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish styles. Hence, it is not surprising to see a belfry on top of an ancient minaret on this monument. Although the inside is not as impressive, there are still interesting arches sporting Arabic calligraphy and other Arabian components such as an old Arab mihrab which is a prayer niche.

On the plaza’s west stands Casa de Mondragón which was a Moorish palace that is opened for public viewing. There are 3 well preserved patios of original stuccowork with a well carved ceiling. A museum exists to showcase local archeology with Moorish offerings.

At the plaza’s northeast stands Museo Lara housing the best works of rondeño Juan Antonio Lara. The family owned and ran a local bus company with Señor Lara being an avid collector of fascinating antique clocks, armaments, pistols, musical instruments, archeological finds, cinematographic equipment and cameras since childhood. These are showcased in Museo Lara.

Historical beauties

Towards the end of Ciudad lies the remains of Alcázar  vakantiehuizen spanje   after the French destroyed it in 1809. The fortress was once virtually impregnable which served as the Moorish capital until 1485 before Granada fell to other hands 7 years later.

There are exquisite town gates of Moorish descent as well as Re-Conquest influence in their celebration of winning the region again. The Puerta de Carlos V stands next to the Alcázar before entering San Francisco suburb as a reminder of their conquest.


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