Places of interest in Santillana del Mar

There is absolutely no doubt that Santillana del Mar, just 20 miles west of Santander, is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval villages anywhere in Spain, probably in Europe. To wander its network of cobbled streets and alleys lined with ancient stone houses has often been likened to entering a living museum. With a population of little more than one thousand, and to this day still predominantly a farming community, visitors can easily become totally immersed in the atmosphere of centuries ago. Enhancing these feelings of a long bygone age, vehicles (apart from tractors and a few cars owned by locals) are forbidden from entering the village centre.

Architectural Delights

The architectural highlight of the village is undoubtedly the 12th century Collegiate Church, not only the oldest building, but also probably the most important given that it houses the remains of the town's patron saint, Santa Illana (Saint Juliana). The inside is astonishingly beautiful, with superb paintings and carvings, plus an especially fine cloister.

Things to do

Just over a mile outside of the village are the Altamira Caves, famous for prehistoric paintings of boars, bison, deer and horses dating from the end of the Ice Age. Such is the excellence and three-dimensional quality of these paintings, the caves have become known as the Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art. Unfortunately, because of damage caused by the warmth of human presence, viewing of these 15,000 year old works is strictly limited, and visitors need to book up well in advance. However, a museum adjoining the site has re-created an exact copy of the originals using the very same basic materials and rock structures, and this can be visited at virtually any time during the day.

Should you wish to linger for a night or two in Santillana del Mar and enjoy the experience to the full, or indeed use it as a base for exploring other parts of Green Spain, the village boasts one of Spain's acclaimed paradore hotels - in this case a splendidly restored period manor house furnished in full traditional elegance.