Santillana del Mar, Medieval town in Cantabria, Spain
The town spreads across 28 square kilometers of northern Spanish territory, with narrow cobblestone streets connecting stone buildings and Renaissance palaces.
The settlement emerged in the 8th century around the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, which later became a significant stop on the northern Camino de Santiago route.
The Collegiate Church displays Romanesque architecture with detailed stone carvings, historiated capitals in the cloister, and religious sculptures on its facade.
The municipal administration provides free internet access throughout the town center, benefiting both residents and travelers exploring the historical district.
The name contains three geographical inaccuracies as the town is not a saint (Santo), sits on uneven terrain (llana), and lies 2 kilometers from the sea (Mar).
Location: Cantabria
Elevation above the sea: 82 m
Part of: Mancomunitat Altamira-Los Valles
Shares border with: Alfoz de Lloredo, Reocín, Torrelavega, Polanco, Suances
Address: Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Spain 39330 Santillana del Mar
GPS coordinates: 43.39333,-4.10472
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:29
Cantabria includes port towns, natural beaches, mountains, and prehistoric caves. The region features Santander with its urban beaches, medieval villages like Santillana del Mar, the Altamira Caves with Paleolithic paintings, and the Picos de Europa National Park. The coastline alternates between cliffs and sandy beaches, while inland there are green valleys and traditional villages.
Cave of Altacosa
2.2 km
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
1.5 km
Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana
238 m
Laberinto de Villapresente
3.3 km
Ermita de Santa Justa (Ubiarco)
3.6 km
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Torrelavega
6.5 km
Museo de la Tortura, Santillana del Mar
272 m
Estadio El Malecón
5.8 km
Los Locos (Suances)
6.9 km
Palacio de Velarde
0 m
Tower house of Calderón de la Barca family
4.5 km
Mota de Trespalacio
4.3 km
Playa de Santa Justa
4.1 km
Torre de Don Borja
388 m
Torre del Merino
399 m
Palacio de Peredo
4.3 km
Castillo de Suances
6.9 km
Museo Diocesano Regina Coeli (Cantabria)
631 m
Casa de Juntas de Puente San Miguel
4 km
Castillo de Vispieres
1.9 km
Santillana Zoo
1.4 km
Torre de don Beltrán de la Cueva
3.1 km
Biblioteca Municipal Gabino Teira
6.5 km
Iglesia de San Salvador
4.1 km
La Riberuca
6.9 km
Palace and tower of Bustamante
4.9 km
Huervo
1.3 km
Conjunto Histórico de la Villa de Santillana del Mar
324 mReviews
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