Church of Santa Lucía, Santander

Church of Santa Lucia is a Catholic house of worship located in downtown Santander with one main nave and smaller side chapels. The interior features a semicircular apse, while the entrance portico is supported by Ionic columns and accessed via stairs.

Construction of the church began in 1854 and finished in 1868 according to designs by architect Antonio Zabaleta prepared between 1852 and 1854. The building gained additional importance when it served as a temporary bishopric headquarters from 1941 to 1953 during repairs to the main cathedral following a fire.

The church is named after Saint Lucy, a venerated figure in Catholic tradition whose image appears in religious artworks displayed here. Visitors encounter paintings and sculptures that reflect the spiritual role this place has held for the local community.

The church sits conveniently between Daoiz y Velarde and Gomez Orena streets in the city center and is easy to reach on foot. As an active place of worship, it holds regular services and special religious ceremonies throughout the year that visitors may observe respectfully.

Inside the church stands a finely carved representation of the Virgin and Child from the 13th century, revealing how religious artworks have been gathered here across the ages. This is complemented by a painting of Saint Lucy created by French artist Paul Ratier, reflecting the international connections of this religious community.