Culture of Santander. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Santander being a popular beach resort offers its visitors an engaging entertainment program. Among city sites and landmarks tourists will find various museums and natural sites, architectural monuments and landmarks as well as remarkable architectural areas. The most significant historical landmark of the tourist destination and the most beautiful architectural construction of city is the Santander Cathedral being ranked as a monument. The Cathedral was erected on site of an ancient Roman temple.

The construction of the Cathedral took place in the 12th century. The building of the religious landmark was badly damaged during a massive earthquake and was renovated through joint efforts of skilled architects. At present the Cathedral appears to the city guests in all its glory. The walls of the Cathedral keep numerous unique artifacts. The main crown of the collection of the religious landmark is the crypt of the 12th century. The Cathedral has preserved some elements of setting of the temple of Ancient Rome.

Marvelous churches and temples are among the most remarkable landmarks of the city. Its territory keeps religious constructions of different epochs. Tour fans will love to explore the collection of the Regional Museum of Prehistory and Archeology of Cantabria. A visit to this cultural establishment will turn to an unforgettable adventure. Ancient working tools, equipment and weapons, garnishes and religious artifacts are among the showpieces of the collection some of which are aged more than 20 thousand years. The most precious showpieces of the museum collection are the steles brought from the Cantabrian coast. The purpose of these items is still unknown for scientists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Those tourists wishing to enjoy pictorial art masterpieces by Spanish artists should pay a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts of Santander. Among its showpieces tourists will observe artworks by the painters of the 20th century as well as works by the Medieval artists. The Museum of Ethnography is located in the nearest suburbs of the resort city. Its collection is devoted to the culture and traditions of local folks. The museum is housed in an ancient building which was built as far back as in the 17th century.

For many years the house was owned by Pedro Velarde who was a famous artillery captain of the national resistance to Napoleon. In 1875 the archeologist discovered the Altamira cave in the suburbs of the city of Santander. Since that time the cave is of great attraction not only for scientists and explorers but for curious tourists as well. The nature site is often called a cave of arts and the first minutes of the visit to the cave make the name clear. The walls of the cave are covered with rock paintings. Age of some paintings is considered by scientists to be more than 17 thousand years. Images of animals and of rituals are dominating among the showpieces of the unique nature museum.

There is hardly any other city attraction in terms of attendance, which can be compared to the beautiful park Península de La Magdalena, home to several iconic sites. Lovers of a beach holiday are attracted by the beaches Playa de la Magdalena and Playa de los Bikinis, lovers of history, by the stunning Palacio Real de la Magdalena, and those who come with their children and want to see animals, by the Parque Marino de La Magdalena. It is worth noting that entrance to the park is absolutely free and there is a tourist train that makes a wonderful tour along the entire stretched green area. Nevertheless, due to its scenic nature, the park is worth more than just taking a walk along – besides walking, travelers would not be able to miss anything interesting.

A few words should be said about every landmark place. The Palacio de la Magdalena was built in 1912 by the architects Xavier Gonzalez-Riencho and Gonzalo Vega, for the Spanish kings who chose the Cantabria coast as their summer holiday destination. The monarchs lived here until the revolution of 1931, after which the building was handed over to Ménendez y Pelayo University. Till date, the building belongs to an educational institution (its headquarters is situated here). You can see beautiful penguins, sea lions, ducks, seals, and swans in the mini-zoo Parque Marino de La Magdalena. Even the most sophisticated tourist, will find nature itself incredibly shocking. The charming dock Muelle de las Carabelas keeps copies of historical ships on which the outstanding navigator Vital Alsar made his voyages.

The building’s architecture which was built in 1923 – the Edificio del Banco Santander – attracts with its delightful example of neoclassicism. The architect who designed the project is Xavier González-Riencho who was able to create a real masterpiece of an office building. It is worth noting that the building is considered one of the most beautiful not only in Santander but also throughout Spain. Also worth visiting are the city’s government buildings. First of all, there is the town hall Ayuntamiento de Santander. This building is a perfect example of eclectic style combining elements of modernity and neoclassicism. The statue of Francisco Franco which was made in 1964 could be seen on the square in front of the Mayor’s Office up until 2008. It should be pointed out that the sculpture was seized last from Santander (the same applies to Madrid, Valencia, Ferrol).

Another interesting place for tourists is the church Ermita de la Virgen del Mar, situated in the middle of the scenic green spaces. The first building to be built on today’s chapel site dates back to the year 1400 and Jose Calderon reconstructed it in 1693. Due to the close proximity to the sea, the church was frequently damaged by storms. However, it was always restored after disasters. Another remarkable church in Santander is Iglesia de Santa Maria de Los Angeles, built in the Gothic style at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries. The church’s interior is no less impressive than its Baroque style. Do not miss the majestic Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón Church for anything. It was built at the end of the 19th century and is a neo-Gothic masterpiece.

Several bunkers have been preserved in different cities since the Spanish Civil War, one of which is located in Santander (Refugio Antiaéreo). Generally speaking, there were 114 such bunkers in the city during the conflict, but only this one is known of today. The bunker was abandoned due to a fire in 1941, and it was re-discovered in the early 2000s. Inside, a monumental 240-kilogram bomb can be found. During the tour, as an air raid is reproduced as well, accompanied by sound effects – this is so you can feel the fear people felt during the bombings and become sympathetic for those who had to live in that era.

Santander is a place where Marcelino Menendez Pelayo, a famous writer and historian, was born and lived most of his life. Nowadays, his house has been transformed into a museum with a terrific library (Biblioteca y Casa-Museo de Menéndez Pelayo). This structure, by the way, was indicated in the will of the eminent Spaniard. The library contains about 42,000 books – from ancient Greek manuscripts to 18th-century works. It is noteworthy that the writer himself selected each book. The city also has many beautiful places for walks. First of all, there is the magnificent port of Puerto Chico, from where you can see the bay of Santander and admire its beauty. Plaza Porticada Square draws people by way of its galleries with elegant architecture and many charming places where you can spend your leisure time.

Through the picturesque rocky Parque de Cabo Mayor, there is a road that leads to the lighthouse. At the end of the road, you will find incredible views of the bay, green spaces, groves, lowlands and hilly coastline. It is one of the most romantic places in the entire city. For those who want to enjoy spaciousness, it is worth mentioning the beautiful Jardines de Piquío garden. Another interesting park for a promenade is the Parque de Matalenas, but you should not miss the Jardines de Pereda garden for this purpose. Is it needless to say that the parks of the city acquire a special charm in the evening? This is precisely when it is advisable to take a stroll through the picturesque spaciousness.

The cultural Centro Botín immediately catches the eye – all because of its beautiful futuristic architecture. Renzo Piano, the designer of the museum, is to be thanked for this magnificent building. It was opened in June 2017, and the Spanish Royal Family was in attendance. Inside the building, you can find works of modern art, and from the huge glass windows open magnificent views of the bay and the green spaces surrounding the cultural center. Another interesting museum deserves a visit – Museo Maritimo del Cantabrico, where you can learn a lot about the inhabitants of the seas and oceans. As for the places where you can watch theatrical performances or musical concerts, such a place in Santander is the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria.