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The historical city center of Pamplona (the capital city of Navarra) is currently experiencing a deep process of renovation and restoration. Particularly, the walls surrounding the historical center have become the most relevant focus of attention for the local government. As a sort of “rediscovered treasure”, the walls have emerged as a new symbol of the city, and a growing number of events are carried out in relation to them: exhibitions, lectures, sightseeing excursions and scientific research. The walls were declared a Historic-Artistic National Monument and are now seeking designation as a world Heritage Site. Nevertheless, the exercise of ‘recovering’ this memorial space is supported in a play of light and shadow that emphasizes certain elements and events, at the same time that neglects another ones. Thus, this article questions the formation of the idea of ‘heritage’ and analyzes how some patrimonial practices, such as the case of the city walls of Pamplona, involve the exclusion of definitions, perspectives and applications inconsistent with the institutional image that is trying to be promoted.