Santillana del Mar – Culture, Coast and History

The historic centre of Santillana del Mar is designated a national monument. The Colegiata de Santa Juliana is its defining feature and is considered one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture in Cantabria.

When booking a holiday apartment in Santillana del Mar, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions help put the specific stay into context.

Culture and History

The capitals in the cloister of the Colegiata de Santa Juliana feature floral, geometric and figurative representations, including scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The section of the Camino del Norte from Santillana del Mar to San Vicente de la Barquera begins at the collegiate church. The Museo y Fundación Jesús Otero is located next to it.

The Torre de Don Borja can be visited as part of guided tours for very small groups. The 15th-century building presents content on books, contemporary Spanish art and the media.

The Museo y Fundación Jesús Otero contains around fifty sculptures as well as utensils, tools and drawings used in their creation. The Museo Diocesano Regina Coeli houses a significant collection of sculptures, paintings, goldsmiths’ work and liturgical objects, including Gothic and Baroque works. The Punto Municipal de Información Turística-Museo Jesús Otero offers free self-guided and guided visits to the collection; the service is available seasonally.

The Casas del Águila and La Parra are among the most representative civil buildings in the historic centre of Santillana del Mar. The manor houses reflect Santillana’s architectural and social flourishing between the 16th and 17th centuries. The Torre del Merino, built in the 14th century, served as the residence of the Merino, the local authority responsible for administration and the administration of justice in the region.

Traditions

Marzas is an annual tradition in Santillana del Mar. On the evening of the first Friday in March, around 30 residents gather in the Plaza Mayor to sing. The participants wear the traditional dress of the Marceros and walk through the town on a circular route; stops include Arroyo, the cemetery, Calle Los Hornos, Plaza del Rey, La Robleda, Le Dorat and Herrán.

The Auto Sacramental y Cabalgata de Reyes takes place every year on the evening of 5 January in Santillana del Mar and originated in 1959. In 2009, it was recognised as a festival of national tourist interest.

More local pages: Queveda, Ubiarco, Viveda, Terán, Mazcuerras, Valdáliga, Cabezón De Liébana and La Concha.

Coast and Orientation

Within the municipality of Santillana del Mar, the coast is characterised by high cliffs and small coves; Playa de Santa Justa is the municipality’s only sandy beach.

The Oficina regional de turismo is located at Jesús Otero 20 in Santillana del Mar, Cantabria.

The Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira is located at the address 39330 Santillana, Santillana del Mar, Cantabria.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cantabria.