Taconera Gardens

The Jardines de la Taconera, Pamplona’s oldest gardens, are an elegant, Belle Époque-inspired green space in the heart of the city. Created in 1830, the spacious gardens, paths, fountains and sculptures make for a romantic ambience. The park boasts some imposing and unique tree specimens and is a great feat of urban gardening.

The moats provide habitat for deer, ducks, peacocks and other birds, bringing a wild touch that fascinates visitors of all ages. In the trees, bird boxes provide shelter for various species of free-living birds. Taconera Gardens are also an open-air museum for monuments and sculptures, such as the tribute to Julián Gayarre and the famous Mari Blanca.

The facilities include children’s play areas, a cafe, public toilets and wifi. Taconera Gardens are just a few metres from Antoniutti Park and its skate park.

Three reasons to visit

The diversity and natural value of the trees.
History. These Versailles-inspired gardens are Pamplona’s oldest park. The gardens became a municipal park in 1678 and are one of the most romantic and exotic parts of the city. Enjoy various species of flowers and trees, as well paths, benches and fountains.
Ideal for families. 90,000 square metres of gardens and a mini zoo.

Walk among the flowers

The trees in this park include slender beeches, lush magnolias and amazing ginkgo trees. You will also encounter laurels, hollies and a giant 40-metre-tall sequoia. The Japanese pagoda tree, by the charming Café Vienés (the old bike rental kiosk), is one of the most eye-catching in the park. Look out for the spiral yew tree, the ash tree nicknamed “the survivor” and a beautiful central walkway through flowers.

Allow yourself to be transported to a bygone era amid the natural splendour peppered with Romantic and Neoclassical park furniture.

Open-air museum

The garden is also a small open-air museum with several towering sculptures.The monument to Julián Gayarre, created by Fructuoso Orduna in 1950, stands on the central walkway. A side path is home to the bust of the composer Hilarión Eslava, from Burlada, and near the Café Vienés you will find the Monument to Charity, better known as la Mari Blanca.

Taconera Mini Zoo

The iconic Taconera Mini Zoo is located in the city’s old defensive moats, and houses a diverse collection of animals. It currently has 281 specimens including 8 female deer, 148 waterfowl of various species, 123 landfowl and 3 squirrels.

Visitors to this natural setting can observe semi-free wildlife up close, in a controlled environment looked after by veterinary staff and specialised keepers. The mini zoo is a great educational and recreational outing for families wanting to enjoy nature and wildlife right in the heart of the city.