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Santander |
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Cosmopolitan and sophisticated, Santander is an attractive city which offers something for every taste: natural beauty, art and culture - appealing to the discriminating visitor in search of top-quality tourism.
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Description
Capital city of the region of Cantabria, Santander is one of the most beautiful and noble cities in Spain. Enjoy its unique setting in one of the loveliest bays in the world. Gaze on its beauties from any one of its many view-points. Cosmopolitan and sophisticated, Santander is an attractive city which offers something for every taste: natural beauty, art and culture - appealing to the discriminating visitor in search of top-quality tourism. It is a dynamic modern city with a busy commercial life and many services as well as a major summer tourist destination. Walking down the most representative streets of the city, such as the Paseo de Pereda or the Avenida Reina Victoria you will soon recognise these characteristics. The Paseo de Pereda is the most representative street in the city. It is formed from a series of buildings constructed between the 18th and 20th centuries, in the French style and with fine bay-windows. The street has been declared a Site of Special Historic and Artistic Interest, which means it cannot be changed in any way. It starts at the Gardens of Pereda where the walker can enjoy lovely views of the bay. Here you will also see the Royal Sailing Club, a fine example of Santander’s rationalist architecture, alongside the yacht harbour of Puerto Chico. The Avenida Reina Victoria is the continuation of the Paseo de Pereda and offers one of the prettiest maritime promenades on the Cantabrian coast, linking to the peninsula of La Magdalena and ending in the heart of the Sardinero. If you fancy an excursion, you can take an hour-long cruise across the bay, stopping in Somo and Pedreña. The speciality of Santander cuisine is of course its seafood: you mustn’t miss the “Clams in seafood sauce”. If you like shell-fish, try “amayuelas” (a small type of clam) and “morgueras” (razor shells), or among the fish, the red mullet, sea bass, anchovies and sardines. To savour these delicacies you can go down to the Fishing District around the port where you will find very reasonable prices. Alternatively, make your way to Puerto Chico and the Sardinero where you will find high-class restaurants. |
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Interesting places
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THE CATHEDRAL AND THE CRYPT OF CHRIST The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin was built in its greatest part during the fourteenth century and does not resemble other Spanish Gothic cathedrals. In addition it has undergone various modifications over the centuries, including those caused by the fire which occurred in the city in 1941, which also affected the cathedral. Its current structure is composed of two sanctuaries, one on top of the other. The lower sanctuary, the Crypt of Christ (from the thirteenth century) is the more interesting of the two. It is small and low, made up of a small church with three apses and built according to the Burgalese Gothic style. It is the oldest monument that remains in the city.. Address: c/ Somorrostro, s/n
Tel: (+34)942226024 MUSEUM OF PREHISTORY Housed in the council house of the region, this museum offers a general perspective of the historic and prehistoric cultures of Cantabria. The museum contains considerable collections of archaeological material which has been discovered during the excavations carried out in the prehistoric caves of Cantabria. Showcases display the development of the cranium of primitive man. You can also learn about the palaeontology of the Quaternary age of the region from the remains of bones from animals like the mammoth, rhinoceros and cave bear.
Opening times:
In summer: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00.
Sundays and Bank Holidays: from 11:00 to 14:00.
Rest of the year: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.
Sundays and Bank Holidays: from 11:00 to 13:00.
The museum is closed on all Mondays in the year.
Entrance is free of charge. Address: c/ Casimiro Sainz nº4.
Tel: (+34)942207109
MENÉNDEZ PELAYO LIBRARY
Located close to the City Hall, the Menéndez Pelayo Library is one of the most important sites of Cantabrian culture. It is built around three parallel naves/aisles, with an elegant mix of baroque elements and Herrerian style. It contains more than 42 000 volumes, collected together by the writer and thinker Menéndez Pelayo, who led the cultural awakening which the city experienced in the second half of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth century. Opening times and reference opportunities:
Mornings: from 9:00 to 13:30 (Monday to Saturday).
Afternoons/evenings: from 16:30 to 21:00 (Tuesdays and Thursdays during term-time, but closed during the months of July and September) Closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Address: c/ Rubio 6.
Tel: (+34)942234534. MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Located next to the Menéndez Pelayo Library with an outstanding collection of more than 800 pictures, distributed among three galleries. The collection includes works from the 17th and 18th centuries from the Italian, Dutch and Spanish schools and classics like Goya and his portrait of Fernando VII. You can also enjoy works from the interesting Cantabrian painters such as Casimiro Sainz, Rogelio de Egusquiza y Agustín de Riancho. Opening times: confirm before visiting via the telephone number:
(+34)942239485
No charge is made for entrance. Address: c/ Rubio, 6 THE HOSPITAL OF SAINT RAPHAEL Standing on a high point in the city overlooking the bay, the Hospital of St. Raphael is one of the most elegant and distinguished buildings of the city. It has a neo-classical air, was inaugurated at the end of the 18th century and has a floor which surrounds the porticoed patio. After its restoration a few years ago, the Cantabrian Regional Assembly made its seat here. To see the inside of the building and the works displayed there you need to make an advance booking by contacting the Cantabrian parliament.
Closed weekends.
No charge is made for entrance.
Address: Calle Alta 31-33.
Tel: (+34)942241060. THE FESTIVAL HALL Situated opposite the bay of Santander, the festival hall is a superb building which has done much to promote culture in Cantabria with its annual programme of high class shows. The full audiences can enjoy the programmes of theatre, dance, opera and music which culminate in summer with the International Festival of Santander. Famous personalities from the arts, both national and international, make their appearances here. THE PALACE OF LA MAGDALENA The Palace of La Magdalena stands in an exceptionally beautiful natural setting, surrounded by beaches, on the peninsula of La Magdalena, which was given to King Alphonse XIII for him to build a palace in the style of an English stately home. The palace was finished in 1913 and from then until 1930 it was the summer residence of the Royal Family. It is a perfect example of the harmonious combination of architecture and parkland which is so characteristic of the city. Nowadays the Palace accommodates the summer courses of the Menéndez Pelayo International University, one of the most prestigious cultural events in the city. For a guided tour of the palace (mornings 10:00 to 12:00) you will need to reserve in the Municipal Tourist Office in Jardines de Pereda. Tel: (+34)942203000. THE CANTABRIAN MARITIME MUSEUM Next to the beach of Los Peligros, the Maritime Museum receives a great volume of visitors, especially groups of students both from Spain and other European countries. The quality of the exhibits makes it one of the most complete museums of the world of marine biology. Inside the museum there is a big central courtyard which allows the visitor a panoramic view of the rooms and their largest exhibits, such as animal skeletons and boats. The exhibits are divided into four sections: marine biology, the traditional life of fishermen, maritime history and maritime technology. Opening times:
Winter: From 1 October to 30 April - 10:00 to 18:00
Summer: From 2 May to 30 September - 10:00 to 19:30
Closed on Mondays
Ask to confirm prices. Address: c/ San Martín de Bajamar s/n
Tel: (+34)942274962 BEACHES The beaches are surely the best known and most well-loved natural attractions of the city. Along its coast-line of more than five kilometres you will find all types of beaches, large and small; some protected from the winds and with calm waters (Los Peligros, La Magdalena and Bikinis) and others, open to the Cantabrian Sea with more waves (El Camello, La Concha, the first and second beaches of El Sardinero, Molinucos and Mataleñas). These are urban beaches with clean, transparent waters, which provide most of the infrastructures and services that you can find on the best beaches. They have a lovely setting of beautiful parks which overlook the shore, like Piquío, with its pretty gardens.
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Festivities
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The Festival of the Patron Saint Santiago: the week of 25 July, Holy Day of the Apostle Santiago (St. James). Major bull-fighting festival, fairground attractions, fireworks, performances of music, theatrical and cultural events and children’s shows.
The Virgin of the Sea: Patron Saint of the City. This is a religious festival which is celebrated on the 19th of May with a floral offering and songs to the Virgin.
Virgin of Carmen: a very traditional festival with a nautical flavour, celebrated on the 16th of July, in which the sailors’ guilds deck themselves out in all their finery in honour of their Patron and offer her a beautiful procession. Baños de Ola (Wave Baths): celebrated in mid-July, this festival recreates the arrival of the first tourists at the start of the 20th century. La Semanuca: in the last week of August, with a variety of musical and theatrical events and markets which culminate with a firework display on 1 September. Easter in Santander stands out for its processions with a tradition of more than 450 years. Religion and art go hand in hand in this manifestation of popular culture which has been continually enriched over the years. If you are looking for night-life in Santander you will find a great atmosphere far into the early hours of the morning. Relax on the terraces and in the bars and bop until you drop in the pubs and clubs.
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Addresses
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Municipal office of Tourism: c / Gardens of Pereda, s/n. Telephone: (+34)942203000
Web of City council of Santander: www.ayto-santander.es
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Santander |
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Radiante y cosmopolita, Santander es una atractiva ciudad con una variada oferta de naturaleza, arte y cultura, que se ofrece a un turismo exigente y de calidad.
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Description
Capital de la Comunidad de Cantabria, es una de las más bellas y señoriales ciudades de España. Disfruta de un entorno privilegiado ya que se asienta en una de las bahías más bonitas del mundo. Desde cualquiera de sus numerosos miradores lo comprobareis. Radiante y cosmopolita, Santander es una atractiva ciudad con una variada oferta de naturaleza, arte y cultura, que se ofrece a un turismo exigente y de calidad. Es una ciudad dinámica y moderna con una intensa actividad comercial y de servicios, que la complementa para ser un gran centro turístico veraniego. Lo podréis advertir cuando transitéis por las calles más representativas de la ciudad: el Paseo de Pereda o la Avenida Reina Victoria. El Paseo de Pereda es la calle, céntrica más representativa de la ciudad. Está formada por un conjunto de edificaciones que se realizaron entre el siglo XVIII y XX., de estilo francés y con bellos miradores. Fue declarado Monumento Histórico-Artístico, haciendo así imposible su transformación. Se inicia en los Jardines de Pereda, ofreciendo al caminante hermosas vistas de la bahía. También localizareis el Real Club Marítimo, muestra de la arquitectura racionalista santanderina, junto al puerto deportivo Puerto Chico. La Avenida Reina Victoria, es continuación del Paseo de Pereda y disfruta de uno de los paseos marítimos más hermosos de la costa cantábrica, que enlaza con la península de La Magdalena, y finaliza en el corazón del Sardinero Si os apetece realizar una pequeña excursión, en la estación marítima la oportunidad de montar en lancha y dar un paseo por la bahía, haciendo escalas en Somo y Pedreña, regresando en una hora al punto de partida. La cocina de Santander es especialmente marinera, destacando las almejas a la marinera. Entre sus mariscos destacan las amayuelas y morgueras, y entre los pescados los salmonetes, lubinas, bocartes, y sardinas. Para degustar estas delicias podéis acercaros al Barrio Pesquero, en la zona del puerto, donde encontrareis precios mas o menos económicos. También os podéis acercar a Puerto Chico y al Sardinero, un cuyos alrededores se ubican restaurantes de categoría. |
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Interesting places
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LA CATEDRAL Y LA CRIPTA DE CRISTO La Catedral de la Asunción de la Virgen fue construida en su gran parte en el siglo XIV, y no se parece al resto de catedrales góticas españolas. Además a lo largo de los siglos ha sufrido varias modificaciones, incluidas las producidas por el incendio que hubo en la ciudad en 1941, que también afectó a la Catedral. Su estructura actual está constituida por dos templos superpuestos. El más bajo, la Cripta de Cristo (siglo XIII), es el de mayor interés. Es de reducidas proporciones y de escasa altura. Está formado por una pequeña iglesia de tres ábsides que sigue el estilo gótico burgalés. Es el monumento más antiguo que conserva la ciudad. Dirección: c/ Somorrostro, s/n
Teléfono: (+34)942226024 MUSEO DE PREHISTORIA Situado en el Palacio de la Diputación Regional, ofrece una perspectiva general de las culturas prehistóricas e históricas de Cantabria. El Museo guarda importantes colecciones de material arqueológico, que han ido apareciendo en las excavaciones que se han venido realizando en las cuevas prehistóricas de Cantabria. También conoceréis en vitrinas, la evolución craneal del hombre primitivo. Además, conoceréis la paleontología del cuaternario de la región, con restos de huesos de animales (mamut, rinoceronte, oso de las cavernas). Horarios de visita:
Verano: de martes a sábados: de 10 a 13 h. Domingos y festivos: de 11 a 14 h.
Resto del año: de martes a sábados: de 9 a 13 h. y de 16 a 19 h. Domingos y festivos: de 11 a 13 h.
Todos los lunes del año: cerrado.
Entrada gratuita. Dirección: c/ Casimiro Sainz nº4.
Teléfono: (+34)942207109 BIBLIOTECA MENÉNDEZ PELAYO Situado en las cercanías del Ayuntamiento, es uno de los lugares más significativos de la cultura cántabra. Consta de tres naves paralelas, con una elegante mezcla de elementos barrocos y herrerianos. Contiene mas de 42.000 volúmenes, reunidos por el escritor y pensador Menéndez Pelayo, que encabezó el despertar cultural que la ciudad tuvo en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y primeros años del siglo XX. Horarios de visita y consulta de fondos:
Mañanas: de 9 a 13:30 h. (de lunes a sábado).
Tardes: de 16:30 a 21 h. (martes y jueves en periodo lectivo, pero cerrado los meses de julio a septiembre).
Sábados tarde y domingos: cerrado
Dirección: c/ Rubio 6.
Teléfono: (+34)942234534. MUSEO MUNICIPAL DE BELLAS ARTES Esta situado junto a la Biblioteca Menéndez Pelayo, y en la muestra destacan sus más de 800 pinturas, que se distribuyen en tres salas. Acoge obras del siglo XVII y XVIII de escuela italiana, flamenca y española y clásicos como Goya y su Retrato de Fernando VII. Así mismo, disfrutareis de obras de los interesantes autores cántabros como Casimiro Sainz, Rogelio de Egusquiza y Agustín de Riancho. Horarios de visita: consultar previamente en el teléfono: (+34)942239485
Entrada gratuita. Dirección: c/ Rubio, 6 EL HOSPITAL DE SAN RAFAEL Se alza en una zona elevada de la ciudad, mirando a la Bahía. Es uno de los edificios de mayor elegancia y nobleza de la ciudad. De aire neoclásico, inaugurado a finales del siglo XVIII, y con una planta que rodea el patio porticado. Tras su restauración hace unos años, se instaló en él la Asamblea Regional de Cantabria. Para poder ver el interior del edificio y las obras repartidas en sus dependencias debe concertarse la visita previamente, poniéndose en contacto con el Parlamento de Cantabria. Los fines de semana está cerrado.
La entrada es gratuita. Dirección: Calle Alta 31-33.
Teléfono: (+34)942241060. EL PALACIO DE FESTIVALES Situado frente a la bahía de Santander, es un estupendo espacio que ha impulsado la oferta cultural de Cantabria, con un programa anual de espectáculos de gran categoría. El numeroso público asistente puede disfrutar de ciclos de teatro, danza, ópera, música, que culmina en verano con el Festival Internacional de Santander. Cuentan con la participación de personalidades relevantes de la escena, tanto nacional como internacional. Dirección: C/ Gamazo s/n
Teléfono: (+34)942361606
Web: www.festival-int-santander.org PALACIO DE LA MAGDALENA Situado en un entorno natural excepcional rodeado de playas, la península de La Magdalena. Ésta fue donada a Alfonso XIII para construirle un palacio según modelo de la nobleza inglesa. El palacio se terminó en 1.913 y desde entonces hasta 1.930 fue la residencia de verano de la Familia Real. Es la mejor muestra de la combinación entre arquitectura y espacios verdes que conforman la ciudad. Hoy alberga a los cursos estivales de la Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo; uno de los eventos que más prestigio cultural aportan a la ciudad.. Si queréis realizar una visita guiada por el Palacio (por la mañana de 10:00 a 12:00 h.), tendréis que realizar la reserva en la Oficina Municipal de Turismo de Jardines de Pereda.
Teléfono: (+34)942203000. MUSEO MARÍTIMO DEL CANTÁBRICO Se encuentra junto a la playa de los Peligros. Se trata de un espacio museístico muy visitado, sobre todo por grupos de estudiantes tanto de España como de otros países europeos. La calidad de sus contenidos lo convierten en uno de los más completos para acercarnos al mundo de la biología marina. En el interior se encuentra un gran patio central, que permite al visitante tener una panorámica del museo y de sus piezas mas grandes (esqueletos de animales, embarcaciones). Sus contenidos se dividen en cuatro secciones: biología marina, etnografía pesquera, historia marítima y tecnología marítima. Horarios de visita:
Invierno: del 1 Octubre al 30 Abril de 10 a 18 horas
Verano: del 2 Mayo al 30 Septiembre de 10 a 19:30 horas
Los lunes permanecerá cerrado
Consultar tarifas. Dirección: c/ San Martín de Bajamar s/n
Teléfonos: (+34)942274962 PLAYAS Son seguramente los espacios naturales más conocidos y apreciados de la ciudad. En sus más de cinco kilómetros de costa, se ofrecen a la vez todo tipo de playas, grandes y pequeñas; unas protegidas de los vientos y con aguas tranquilas (Los Peligros, La Magdalena y Bikinis); otros, abiertas al Cantábrico, con mayor oleaje (El Camello, La Concha, La Primera y Segunda del Sardinero, Molinucos y Mataleñas). Son playas urbanas, con aguas limpias y transparentes, que ofrecen la mayoría las infraestructuras y servicios de las grandes playas. Están envueltas en un hermoso entorno, con espacios verdes de gran belleza que se asoman al litoral, como Piquío, con sus bonitos jardines. |
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Festivities
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Fiestas Patronales de Santiago: semana en torno al 25 de julio, festividad del Apóstol Santiago, con una importante feria taurina, atracciones feriales, fuegos artificiales, actuaciones musicales, espectáculos teatrales y culturales, así como actuaciones infantiles. Virgen del Mar: patrona de la ciudad. Es una festividad religiosa, que se celebra el 19 de mayo, con una ofrenda floral a la Virgen a la que se le canta una salve. Virgen del Carmen: muy típica, con sabor marinero que se celebra el 16 de julio, y en la que las cofradías marineras se engalanan para festejar a su patrona, ofreciéndola una bonita procesión. Baños de Ola: se celebra a mediados julio, y recrean la llegada de los primeros turistas a principios del siglo XX. La Semanuca: en la última semana de agosto, con variedad de actos musicales, teatrales y mercados, que culminan con un castillo de fuegos artificiales el 1 de septiembre. La Semana Santa de Santander: destaca por sus procesiones, con mas de 450 años de vida. Religiosidad, devoción, y arte se dan cita en estas manifestaciones del culto popular que se han enriquecido continuamente lo largo del tiempo. Si os apetece salir de fiesta en Santander encontrareis mucho ambiente hasta altas horas de la madrugada. En sus terrazas, bares, pubs y discotecas disfrutareis de la animación, hasta que el cuerpo aguante.
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Addresses
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Oficina Municipal de Turismo: c/ Jardines de Pereda, s/n. Teléfono: (+34)942203000
Web de Ayuntamiento de Santander: www.ayto-santander.es
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Santander |
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Cosmopolitan and sophisticated, Santander is an attractive city which offers something for every taste: natural beauty, art and culture - appealing to the discriminating visitor in search of top-quality tourism.
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Images
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Description
Capital city of the region of Cantabria, Santander is one of the most beautiful and noble cities in Spain. Enjoy its unique setting in one of the loveliest bays in the world. Gaze on its beauties from any one of its many view-points. Cosmopolitan and sophisticated, Santander is an attractive city which offers something for every taste: natural beauty, art and culture - appealing to the discriminating visitor in search of top-quality tourism. It is a dynamic modern city with a busy commercial life and many services as well as a major summer tourist destination. Walking down the most representative streets of the city, such as the Paseo de Pereda or the Avenida Reina Victoria you will soon recognise these characteristics. The Paseo de Pereda is the most representative street in the city. It is formed from a series of buildings constructed between the 18th and 20th centuries, in the French style and with fine bay-windows. The street has been declared a Site of Special Historic and Artistic Interest, which means it cannot be changed in any way. It starts at the Gardens of Pereda where the walker can enjoy lovely views of the bay. Here you will also see the Royal Sailing Club, a fine example of Santander’s rationalist architecture, alongside the yacht harbour of Puerto Chico. The Avenida Reina Victoria is the continuation of the Paseo de Pereda and offers one of the prettiest maritime promenades on the Cantabrian coast, linking to the peninsula of La Magdalena and ending in the heart of the Sardinero. If you fancy an excursion, you can take an hour-long cruise across the bay, stopping in Somo and Pedreña. The speciality of Santander cuisine is of course its seafood: you mustn’t miss the “Clams in seafood sauce”. If you like shell-fish, try “amayuelas” (a small type of clam) and “morgueras” (razor shells), or among the fish, the red mullet, sea bass, anchovies and sardines. To savour these delicacies you can go down to the Fishing District around the port where you will find very reasonable prices. Alternatively, make your way to Puerto Chico and the Sardinero where you will find high-class restaurants. |
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Interesting places
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THE CATHEDRAL AND THE CRYPT OF CHRIST The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin was built in its greatest part during the fourteenth century and does not resemble other Spanish Gothic cathedrals. In addition it has undergone various modifications over the centuries, including those caused by the fire which occurred in the city in 1941, which also affected the cathedral. Its current structure is composed of two sanctuaries, one on top of the other. The lower sanctuary, the Crypt of Christ (from the thirteenth century) is the more interesting of the two. It is small and low, made up of a small church with three apses and built according to the Burgalese Gothic style. It is the oldest monument that remains in the city.. Address: c/ Somorrostro, s/n
Tel: (+34)942226024 MUSEUM OF PREHISTORY Housed in the council house of the region, this museum offers a general perspective of the historic and prehistoric cultures of Cantabria. The museum contains considerable collections of archaeological material which has been discovered during the excavations carried out in the prehistoric caves of Cantabria. Showcases display the development of the cranium of primitive man. You can also learn about the palaeontology of the Quaternary age of the region from the remains of bones from animals like the mammoth, rhinoceros and cave bear.
Opening times:
In summer: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00.
Sundays and Bank Holidays: from 11:00 to 14:00.
Rest of the year: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.
Sundays and Bank Holidays: from 11:00 to 13:00.
The museum is closed on all Mondays in the year.
Entrance is free of charge. Address: c/ Casimiro Sainz nº4.
Tel: (+34)942207109
MENÉNDEZ PELAYO LIBRARY
Located close to the City Hall, the Menéndez Pelayo Library is one of the most important sites of Cantabrian culture. It is built around three parallel naves/aisles, with an elegant mix of baroque elements and Herrerian style. It contains more than 42 000 volumes, collected together by the writer and thinker Menéndez Pelayo, who led the cultural awakening which the city experienced in the second half of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth century. Opening times and reference opportunities:
Mornings: from 9:00 to 13:30 (Monday to Saturday).
Afternoons/evenings: from 16:30 to 21:00 (Tuesdays and Thursdays during term-time, but closed during the months of July and September) Closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Address: c/ Rubio 6.
Tel: (+34)942234534. MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Located next to the Menéndez Pelayo Library with an outstanding collection of more than 800 pictures, distributed among three galleries. The collection includes works from the 17th and 18th centuries from the Italian, Dutch and Spanish schools and classics like Goya and his portrait of Fernando VII. You can also enjoy works from the interesting Cantabrian painters such as Casimiro Sainz, Rogelio de Egusquiza y Agustín de Riancho. Opening times: confirm before visiting via the telephone number:
(+34)942239485
No charge is made for entrance. Address: c/ Rubio, 6 THE HOSPITAL OF SAINT RAPHAEL Standing on a high point in the city overlooking the bay, the Hospital of St. Raphael is one of the most elegant and distinguished buildings of the city. It has a neo-classical air, was inaugurated at the end of the 18th century and has a floor which surrounds the porticoed patio. After its restoration a few years ago, the Cantabrian Regional Assembly made its seat here. To see the inside of the building and the works displayed there you need to make an advance booking by contacting the Cantabrian parliament.
Closed weekends.
No charge is made for entrance.
Address: Calle Alta 31-33.
Tel: (+34)942241060. THE FESTIVAL HALL Situated opposite the bay of Santander, the festival hall is a superb building which has done much to promote culture in Cantabria with its annual programme of high class shows. The full audiences can enjoy the programmes of theatre, dance, opera and music which culminate in summer with the International Festival of Santander. Famous personalities from the arts, both national and international, make their appearances here. THE PALACE OF LA MAGDALENA The Palace of La Magdalena stands in an exceptionally beautiful natural setting, surrounded by beaches, on the peninsula of La Magdalena, which was given to King Alphonse XIII for him to build a palace in the style of an English stately home. The palace was finished in 1913 and from then until 1930 it was the summer residence of the Royal Family. It is a perfect example of the harmonious combination of architecture and parkland which is so characteristic of the city. Nowadays the Palace accommodates the summer courses of the Menéndez Pelayo International University, one of the most prestigious cultural events in the city. For a guided tour of the palace (mornings 10:00 to 12:00) you will need to reserve in the Municipal Tourist Office in Jardines de Pereda. Tel: (+34)942203000. THE CANTABRIAN MARITIME MUSEUM Next to the beach of Los Peligros, the Maritime Museum receives a great volume of visitors, especially groups of students both from Spain and other European countries. The quality of the exhibits makes it one of the most complete museums of the world of marine biology. Inside the museum there is a big central courtyard which allows the visitor a panoramic view of the rooms and their largest exhibits, such as animal skeletons and boats. The exhibits are divided into four sections: marine biology, the traditional life of fishermen, maritime history and maritime technology. Opening times:
Winter: From 1 October to 30 April - 10:00 to 18:00
Summer: From 2 May to 30 September - 10:00 to 19:30
Closed on Mondays
Ask to confirm prices. Address: c/ San Martín de Bajamar s/n
Tel: (+34)942274962 BEACHES The beaches are surely the best known and most well-loved natural attractions of the city. Along its coast-line of more than five kilometres you will find all types of beaches, large and small; some protected from the winds and with calm waters (Los Peligros, La Magdalena and Bikinis) and others, open to the Cantabrian Sea with more waves (El Camello, La Concha, the first and second beaches of El Sardinero, Molinucos and Mataleñas). These are urban beaches with clean, transparent waters, which provide most of the infrastructures and services that you can find on the best beaches. They have a lovely setting of beautiful parks which overlook the shore, like Piquío, with its pretty gardens.
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Festivities
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The Festival of the Patron Saint Santiago: the week of 25 July, Holy Day of the Apostle Santiago (St. James). Major bull-fighting festival, fairground attractions, fireworks, performances of music, theatrical and cultural events and children’s shows.
The Virgin of the Sea: Patron Saint of the City. This is a religious festival which is celebrated on the 19th of May with a floral offering and songs to the Virgin.
Virgin of Carmen: a very traditional festival with a nautical flavour, celebrated on the 16th of July, in which the sailors’ guilds deck themselves out in all their finery in honour of their Patron and offer her a beautiful procession. Baños de Ola (Wave Baths): celebrated in mid-July, this festival recreates the arrival of the first tourists at the start of the 20th century. La Semanuca: in the last week of August, with a variety of musical and theatrical events and markets which culminate with a firework display on 1 September. Easter in Santander stands out for its processions with a tradition of more than 450 years. Religion and art go hand in hand in this manifestation of popular culture which has been continually enriched over the years. If you are looking for night-life in Santander you will find a great atmosphere far into the early hours of the morning. Relax on the terraces and in the bars and bop until you drop in the pubs and clubs.
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Addresses
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Municipal office of Tourism: c / Gardens of Pereda, s/n. Telephone: (+34)942203000
Web of City council of Santander: www.ayto-santander.es
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