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Santander Attractions
6 Results
- Cathedral
Catedral de Santa María de la Asunción
Greatly damaged in the 1941 fire, this restored, fortress-like 13th–century cathedral holds the tomb of historian/writer Menéndez y Pelayo (see above). The 12th–century Capilla del Cristo, sitting beneath the main church, consists of a trio of low–slung aisles that can be entered… - Cultural center
Centro Botín
This 21st century dynamic arts center perches on the waterfront, linking the Pereda Gardens to Santander Bay. The striking avant–garde building, designed by Renzo Piano, is cantilevered to project over the water of the bay. Galleries tend to emphasize contemporary Spanish artists… - Beach
El Sardinero
Many repeat visitors to Santander head straight for this beach area, less than 2.5km (1[bf]1/2 miles) from the city center. Buses and trolleys make the short run both day and night and there’s a bike path from downtown. Besides hotels, restaurants, and a casino, the area has three… - Historic House/Park/View
Magdalena Peninsula
On the tip of this sea-swept promontory, about 2km (1 1/4 miles) southeast of El Sardinero, you can hike along green cliffs and take in wide-ranging views that made it a logical place to establish the lighthouse, Faro de la Cerda. The peninsula is crowned by the Palacio de la… - Museum
Museo Maritimo del Cantábrico
This engaging modern museum traces the importance of the sea to the history and economy of the region. Children will probably be most interested in the aquariums and interactive exhibits. That will give parents time to study the photographs, artifacts, and displays that trace… - Museum
Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria
Following a major renovation, this museum has turned its focus to contemporary art, with the ground level featuring the best of its Spanish and international collections. Contemporary art by Cantabrian artists fills much of the next two levels, while the “Modern Art” collections…
Santander Shopping
True aficionados of pottery and the nuances of ceramics usually drive from Santander to Santillana del Mar, 29km (18 miles) away, where handcrafted ceramics are in great abundance. But if you want to stay in Santander's city limits and see a pared-down version of what's available in Santillana del Mar, head for any of the retailers on the Calle Arrabal, in the city's commercial center.
An antiques gallery well stocked with old furniture and paintings with rich veneers is Fundación Marcellino Botín, Calle Pedrueca 1 (tel. 94-222-60-72). Ironically, many of Santander's boutiques and stores aren't in the city at all but within a 50-unit shopping center 3km (2 miles) from town, beside the road leading to the airport. Check out the Centro Comercial Valle Real, Carretera Bilbao Km 2.
Santander Nightlife
The most exciting thing to do in the evening is to head for the gaming tables of the Gran Casino Sardinero, Plaza de Italia (tel. 94-227-60-54), which has a small cover charge. The gaming room is open daily 8pm‒4am; the slot machine parlor is open daily 2pm‒4am. Be sure to bring your passport for entry. You must be 18 or older.
