Santander is situated on the north coast of Spain, around 250 miles from Madrid. This elegant city, capital of the Cantabria region, was a popular resort with the aristocracy from the mid-nineteenth century onwards. Although a huge fire ravaged Santander in 1941, which destroyed much of the old quarter, the city was later rebuilt along its original lines. Today Santander is a fashionable town with a pretty waterfront promenade, wide boulevards and many hotels and restaurants. There are also some enjoyable coastal walks on the edge of the city.
Santander's fortress-like cathedral was badly damaged by the 1941 fire, although it has now been fully restored. Inside is the tomb of writer and historian Marcelino Menendez y Pelayo, who was born in the city in 1856. The cathedral is also notable for its Gothic cloister and 12th century crypt. In 1983 Roman ruins were found underneath the main aisle.
For an insight into the area's prehistoric origins, the Museo de Prehistoria y Archaeologia houses some interesting artifacts discovered within the province. Highlights include several finds from the prehistoric caves at Altamira, as well as some Roman pieces from local hill forts.
The Museo de Bellas Artes is home to an interesting collection of paintings by Francisco de Goya, including a series of etchings entitled 'Disasters of War', and a fine portrait of Fernando VII. Founded in 1907, the museum also contains works by Flemish, Italian and local Cantabrian artists.
Santander has many fine beaches, most of which are clean and well maintained. One of the most popular, Playa del Sardinero, is situated a couple of kilometres from the city centre in the elegant suburb of El Sardinero. Alongside the beach, which is one of the least polluted in Europe, is a promenade lined with various hotels, restaurants and 19th century mansions.
The Magdalenas peninsular, located to the south of El Sardinero, has a number of attractions including the Palacio de la Magdelena. Built in 1911 as a summer residence for King Alfonso XIII, this English-style palace hosts the city's music and theatre festival in July and August. The Magdalenas peninsular is also home to a small zoo, which contains various animals including seals, polar bears and penguins. The small Blue Flag beach of El Camello is located nearby.
To the north of El Sardinero, situated within the Cabo Menor, is the large open space of Matalenas Park. Here you will find a lighthouse, another small zoo, and the local golf course. There are some beautiful coastal walks along the cliff top. If you want to get completely away from the city for a while, take a 15-minute boat trip to the beach at El Puntal, known for its spectacular sand dunes.
There are flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin and London Stansted to Santander's international airport, around 4 miles (6km) from the city centre. A regular bus service runs between the airport and Santander train station. The city is also an important port, with Brittany Ferries running a regular service to Santander from Plymouth in the UK. For more advice and tourist information about Santander please see Santander Spain
GARY COTTER
No comments:
Post a Comment