Santillana del Mar in the Cantabria region of Spain is a stunning, entirely pedestrianised town, lined with 15th to 18th century stone mansions. Flowers tumble from window boxes and balconies. The cobblestone streets are lined with artisan craft shops, and lots of places to buy the famous Cantabrian anchovies. We were there in spring and it looked wonderful.
The name is misleading. The town is not on the coast, but a few kilometres inland. It is a significant stop on the northern route of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The name is a contraction of Santa Juliana, an 8th century martyr whose remains are housed in the Santillana del Mar Collegiate Church. It is a Romanesque church and former Benedictine monastery.
The church sits at the top of the town and was our first stop after checking into the hotel. It started life in 870 as a monastery. It was transformed into a church over the 11th century. The church we see today dates from the 12th century. It is remarkably preserved. I particularly liked the many sculptures dotted around the building.
The main street has an old water trough probably used for washing and watering horses.
On the left we found a small park with more modern stone sculptures.
Then is was back to the main street. Come for a walk along the cobble stone streets.
There are lovely buildings, some with Cantabrian balconies.
There is lots of decoration on buildings.
There are interesting shops. Lots sell Cantabrian anchovies and chocolate.
The town is quiet small and is surrounded by green countryside.
We had lunch in this very sweet cafe.
Dinner was at this fun bar, the only place open that night.
The very best part of Santillana del Mar was staying at the Hotel Casa Del Marques, the subject of the previous post. In the next post I will show you the stunning interior of the church which we managed to find open just before we left the town.
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