Pamplona, founded on November 1, 1549, traces its roots to the efforts of Pedro de Ursúa and Captain Ortún Velázquez de Velasco. Bestowed with the name “Pamplona de Indias,” the city, nestled in the Valley of the Holy Spirit, received its title of “Very noble and noble city” from King Charles I of Spain on August 3, 1555. This picturesque city, cradled by the Pamplonita River, was initially divided into 136 plots for its founders. The valley, embraced by the Eastern Cordillera, became home to various indigenous groups like the Chitareros, Muiscas, Cacheguas, Suratáes, Uchamas, Babichas, and more. The first mayors, Alonso de Escobar and Juan Vasques, alongside councilors such as Juan de Alvear and Sancho de Villanueva, undertook the governance of Pamplona. The city played a pivotal role in subsequent expeditions that led to the founding of towns like Mérida, San Cristóbal, La Grita in Venezuela, and Ocaña, Salazar de Las Palmas, Chinácota, San Faustino, Bucaramanga, and San José de Cúcuta in Colombia. The inhabitants of the Pamplona province were dubbed “chitareros” by the Spanish due to their custom of carrying a calabash or totuma filled with chicha (corn wine) tied to their waists. Following the Spanish occupation in 1549, the settlers were subjected to the encomienda regime, with around 100 groups distributed into 53 encomiendas across the territory. A significant earthquake struck Pamplona on January 16, 1644, causing devastation. Under the guidance of the Jesuit brothers, the resilient city rose again from the ruins, showcasing its enduring spirit.

Geography of the city
Pamplona is situated at coordinates 72°39′ west longitude of Greenwich and 7°23′ north latitude, standing at an elevation of 2200 meters above sea level. It shares borders with Pamplonita and Cucutilla to the north, Cácota and Mutiscua to the south, Labateca to the east, and Cucutilla to the west. The total extension of the city is 456 km. The city is administratively divided into 2 townships and 30 paths. It boasts two significant rivers, Pamplonita and Sulasquilla, along with their respective tributaries: El Alisal, La Ramada, Quelpa, San Agustín, Monteadentro, and La Lejía. Pamplona comprises various villages, including Cariongo, Alto Grande, Caima, Alizal, Santa Ana, El Rosal, Ulagá, Fontibón, Monteadentro, El Zarzal, Navarro, San Agustín, Chínchipa, Chilagaula, Peñas, Cúnuba, Tampaqueba, Iscaligua, Cimitarigua, García, Chíchira, Jurado, Escorial, Sabaneta, El Palchal, Llano Castro, Tencalá, San Francisco, Sabagúa, and Alcaparral. Situated on the Eastern mountain range, Pamplona rests at the fork of the significant Nudo de Santurbán. This region divides into two branches, with one heading northeast towards Venezuelan territory and the other northwest to form the Motilones mountain range. The Province of Pamplona encompasses municipalities surrounding Pamplona, such as Pamplonita, Chitagá, Silos, Cácota, and Mutiscua. The central hub is 75 km away from Cúcuta, making it the fifth-largest city in the Norte de Santander department.