Guarnizo: Maritime History and Historic Routes

The Reales Astilleros were founded in 1581 on the orders of Philip II to build nine galleons, which are considered the first ocean-going warships. The “Real Astillero de Guarnizo” exhibition house contains numerous maritime ethnographic objects, most of which come from the Colección Ramón Somoza, which was donated to the Ayuntamiento. The exhibition building has ramp access from Calle Industria, as well as a panoramic lift to the two upper floors.

Culture

The main chapel and sacristy of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Muslera date from the Gothic period. The main altar, dating from the 18th century, houses an image of the Virgen de Muslera that was probably created in the 15th century. The church itself was built in the 15th century, largely rebuilt in the 17th century, and traces its origins back to the year 857.

Another notable place of worship is the Iglesia del Pilar in Guarnizo: a rectangular single-nave church with a tower attached to the south side and a covered entrance portico. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is a historic religious building. On the slope of Monte Remedios-Muslera lies the Montón de Guarnizo, also known as a tumuliform structure.

On the façade’s gable of the “Real Astillero de Guarnizo” exhibition house there is a Baroque-style clock flanked by two cannons. The cannons of Guarnizo come from ships built at the Real Astillero de Guarnizo. A fortification dating from the 17th century blocked the northern main access to the Astillero, from the Marismas de Boo to Solía. A building in Guarnizo is popularly known as “la Generala”.

A local culinary tradition is also part of the character of the area: the cultivation of Tomate de Guarnizo is considered a tradition closely linked to the town’s history and vegetable gardens.

Routes

Guarnizo is a stage on the Camino Norte, also known as the coastal route from Santiago de Compostela. The Muriedas variant of the Ajo–Santander stage of the Camino del Norte leads to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Muslera.

The historic circular route through Guarnizo begins at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Muslera, continues to the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and ends at the “túmulo del vikingo”. It conveys the maritime and religious background of the area. In addition, an almost 11-kilometre-long continuous green route runs from Guarnizo to Villaescusa. You can compare the different route lengths for your own planning.

Events

The San Isidro Labrador 2026 festival programme included the 15th Día del Ciclista Popular on 17 May, with a route of approximately 11 kilometres through the streets of Guarnizo. The Slalom de Astillero was scheduled for Saturday, 4 October, in the Polígono de Guarnizo.

In the municipality of El Astillero, there are 41 hectares of well-preserved habitat that is compatible with leisure activities. You can cycle there and observe numerous waterbirds, including red-crested pochard, shoveler, teal, gadwall and grey heron.

Other places in the shared surrounding area include Polanco, Cotillo, Peñacastillo, Santander, Parbayón, Peñarrubia, Ucieda, Colsa and El Astillero.

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.