The Colegiata de Santa Juliana defines the historic centre of Santillana Del Mar, which is designated a National Monument. Its Romanesque architecture gives the town a distinct cultural focus: the capitals in the cloister feature floral, geometric and figurative designs, including scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Historic buildings, museums and recurring festivals add to this focus.

Romanesque Architecture and Historic Buildings

The Colegiata is considered one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Cantabria. The Casas del Águila and La Parra are also among the most representative civil buildings in the historic centre. As manor houses, they reflect Santillana’s architectural and social flourishing between the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Torre del Merino was built in the 14th century and served as the residence of the Merino, the local authority responsible for administration and the administration of justice in the region. The Torre de Don Borja presents content on books, contemporary Spanish art and media in a 15th-century building. Visits are available there as guided tours for very small groups; check visiting arrangements in advance.

Museums and Collections

The Museo y Fundación Jesús Otero is located next to the Colegiata. Its collection includes around fifty sculptures, as well as everyday objects, tools and drawings used in their creation. The Punto Municipal de Información Turística-Museo Jesús Otero offers free self-guided and guided visits to the collection. This service is available seasonally; check in advance whether it is offered on your travel dates.

The Museo Diocesano Regina Coeli houses an important collection of sculptures, paintings, goldsmiths’ work and liturgical objects, including Gothic and Baroque works. As exhibitions may be reorganised, it is worth checking the current display if you are planning your visit around specific works. The address of the Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira is 39330 Santillana, Santillana Del Mar, Cantabria. Exhibitions and access arrangements may change; check both before planning a visit specifically around them.

Traditions with Fixed Dates

Marzas is an annual tradition. On the evening of the first Friday in March, around 30 residents gather in the Plaza Mayor to sing. Dressed in traditional Marceros costume, participants also sing as they walk through the town. Stops include Arroyo, the cemetery, Calle Los Hornos, Plaza del Rey, La Robleda, Le Dorat and Herrán. As the detailed route may change, check the route and programme for the relevant year.

The Auto Sacramental y Cabalgata de Reyes takes place every year on the evening of 5 January and dates back to 1959. In 2009, the event was recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest. Check the programme for the relevant year and information about visiting arrangements before travelling.

Coast and Visit Planning

The municipality also includes coastal stretches with high cliffs and small coves. Playa de Santa Justa is the municipality’s only sandy beach and is located in Ubiarco, not in the historic town centre. This distinction helps place the coastal focus geographically without conflating the beach with the town centre.

For the Camino del Norte stage from Santillana Del Mar to San Vicente de la Barquera, the route begins at the Colegiata de Santa Juliana. Check trail conditions and services before setting out. The Oficina regional de turismo is located at Jesús Otero 20 in Santillana Del Mar, Cantabria; opening details may change, so check them before visiting.

The festivals take place on specific calendar dates, while visits to the Jesús Otero collection are available seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Queveda, Ubiarco, Viveda, Bárcena de Pie de Concha, Cartes, Alfoz De Lloredo, Olea, Mazandrero.

For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.