Santillana del Mar it is a municipality of Cantabria. Located on the western coast of it. Many agree that it is one of the most beautiful places in this area. Today we are going to check it! Because we will make a most special visit through its streets, we will go through its history and visit its heritage.
Santillana del Mar is also known as the 'Villa of the three lies'. This is because of his name, since he is not Santa, nor does he call and has no sea. So, we can't quite trust its name. But yes, of the great beauty that each of its areas exudes.
Santillana del Mar, the town
The villa or the historic helmet it is located around two streets. One of them is known as Cantón, Río or Carrera. Yes, three different names but to designate the same place. This street will lead to a square, which will be one of the first important points of this place. While the other street bears the name of Juan Infante and is the one that crosses the entire area, also leading to a square. A place where all its splendor is concentrated and, for more information, this town has been declared a historical-artistic complex.
The historic center of Santillana del Mar
One of the key points of the place is its historic center. As we have mentioned, there are only two main streets that we will find in this place. Yes, small in size but great in beauty and history. The streets are made of cobblestones, which leads us to think of another era. The vast majority of buildings that can be seen in this place date from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. The first square is called Carrera, the second to be built is named Ramón Pelayo. The hamlets that belonged to the nobilityThey are also protagonists of a place like this. You can enjoy a first walk to get to know the whole town and even to taste the typical products.
Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana
Another of the most important points of this place is the so-called 'Colegiata de Santa Juliana'. A Romanesque monument, declared a national monument in 1889. Its story tells of a young woman, Juliana, who was martyred in Turkey. His remains were brought back in the XNUMXth century and a hermitage was built. After her, a Benedictine monastery, but in the XNUMXth century it was transformed into a collegiate church. Thus, becoming one of the most important monuments in all of Cantabria. It is a church with three naves, with three apses and a cylindrical tower.
Tower of Don Borja and Merino
The so-called 'Torre de Don Borja' is the place where the town hall is today. It is of medieval origin and is composed of a patio and an arch that welcomes you, since it is located at its entrance. It was owned by Doña Paz de Borbón. It is true that both towers have been restored, but even so, they retain the beauty of their origins. The 'Torre del Merino' It is another point to take into account and it is located in the old market square. In this case, it is a gothic type construction. It is said that it was built during the XNUMXth century and today there is a museum in it.
Most important palaces and houses in Santillana del Mar
In a town like this, it is clear that houses and palaces are two great pillars of it. Although there are quite a few, we will review all the ones you can visit on your trip to this place.
Essential visit palaces
- Valdivieso Palace: Today it has been transformed into a hotel. It dates from the XNUMXth century and you can find it at the end of Calle del Cantón.
- Velarde Palace: It is also known as the 'Palace of the arenas'. Its construction began in the XNUMXth century, with Gothic but also Renaissance brushstrokes.
- Barreda Palace: Since 1944 it has been the Parador Nacional and you will find it in Plaza Ramón Pelayo. It is a baroque building.
Important houses of Santillana del Mar
- Houses of the Quevedo: A few meters before the Collegiate Church you will be able to admire the 'Casas de los Quevedo' dating from the XNUMXth century. Two houses that form a single house.
- House of the Archduchess or Abbots: Just to the left of the Collegiate Church is this house. It dates from the late seventeenth century.
- House of the Hombrones: You will find it on Calle el Cantón. Built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
- House of Leonor de la Vega: It is also on the same street as the previous one and dates from the late XNUMXth century. It is said that Leonor, the mother of the first Marquis of Santillana, lived here.
The Altamira caves
Of course, we could not forget a key environment. The caves of Altamira they are just two kilometers from the center. For what once being in Santillana del Mar, could not miss the visit. Its discovery was in 1868 and it allows us to have one of the great finds, in the form of paintings and engravings dating from prehistory. It is 270 meters long and although it was opened to the public in 1917, the visits were numerous, in a fairly small environment. It was believed that the condition of the paintings could be endangered, which is why since then it has been opened on a few occasions.