Plaza de Santa Ana

Plaza de Santa Ana is a small, unassuming square tucked into the Casco Viejo, the old town of Pamplona in Navarre. Unlike the freshly repaved streets around it, this corner of the neighborhood was left out of the district's modernization for decades — which is exactly why it still feels raw and authentic, appealing to travelers who want to see Pamplona beyond the postcard route.

How do you get there?

The square sits on Calle Jarauta, one of the defining streets of the Casco Viejo, surrounded by narrow medieval lanes. From the city center, including Plaza del Castillo, it's a walk of roughly fifteen minutes through the old town — a route worth taking slowly, passing typical Navarrese townhouses, small grocery stores, and pintxo bars along the way. Pamplona's old town is best explored on foot; driving inside the walls is discouraged, and visitors should leave the car at one of the parking areas on the edge of the historic center.

What will you actually see?

Plaza de Santa Ana holds significant archaeological value and is classified as Archaeological Zone A under the city's heritage protection plan (PEPRI). Excavations here have uncovered layers of occupation stretching from Roman times through the Middle Ages and into the 19th century, including tombs, ovens, and a mysterious stone column whose origin still intrigues researchers. The square also preserves remnants of older urban infrastructure — wells and the structure of an animal-powered waterwheel (noria) — evidence of its past economic role in the neighborhood. Since 1963, a small niche (hornacina) dedicated to Saint Anne has stood on the square, honoring its namesake patron. Historically, the area around Calle Jarauta and the square was described as "a small village within the city" — a lively pocket of Pamplona with its own shops and a strong sense of community. Today the square is undergoing renovation: among the finalist redevelopment proposals, the chosen concepts aim to turn it into a green, resident-friendly recreational space while preserving the historical and archaeological features uncovered during the works.

When is the best time to visit?

The prime time to come is around July 26th and 27th, when the square celebrates its fiestas de Santa Ana — a tradition revived in 1971 after years of decline. That's when the neighborhood is at its liveliest, with local festivities honoring the square's patron saint. Outside of that date, quieter parts of the day are ideal for taking in the architecture and traces of the past without competing with crowds, since most tourists rarely stray from the main Casco Viejo routes. Because renovation work is ongoing, parts of the square may look different or be temporarily inaccessible depending on when you visit in the coming seasons — worth keeping in mind when planning a trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is Plaza de Santa Ana in Pamplona the same as the famous square of that name in Madrid? No. They are two completely different places. Madrid's Plaza de Santa Ana, in the Barrio de las Letras, is known for its writers' monuments and buzzing nightlife, while Pamplona's square is a much smaller, historic corner of the Casco Viejo with a distinctly local feel.

Is there anything to actually see on the square besides the layout itself? Yes — look for the niche dedicated to Saint Anne, the remains of the old wells and waterwheel, and traces of the archaeological digs that have revealed layers of history going back to Roman times.

Is this square part of Pamplona's typical tourist trail? Not really. It's less a mass-tourism stop and more a destination for visitors who want to see an unrenovated, genuine slice of the old town, away from the main circuit around the cathedral and city walls.

Are there places to eat or rest nearby? Yes, Calle Jarauta and the surrounding Casco Viejo lanes offer traditional pintxo bars and small local shops typical of old Pamplona.