Santillana del Mar

Cantabria, Spain• Population: 4,031

Attractions

UNESCO

4,031

People

About Santillana del Mar

Often called the "town of three lies" as it is neither a saint (santa), flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). This perfectly preserved medieval village is one of Spain's most beautiful, featuring cobblestone streets and historic stone buildings dating from the 14th-18th centuries. Located near the famous Altamira Caves.

Top Attractions in Santillana del Mar

Archaeological Site

Altamira Museum and Cave

Home to some of the world's most important Paleolithic cave paintings dating back 35,000 years. The museum contains an exact replica of the original caves (which are closed to preserve the art) with depictions of bison and other animals created using advanced painting techniques far ahead of their time.

Museum

Casa-Museo de Don Quijote y Dalí

An interesting museum featuring lithographs by Salvador Dalí illustrating Miguel de Cervantes' masterpiece "Don Quixote." The exhibition combines two of Spain's most famous cultural icons in a unique collection.

Museo de la Tortura

A small but impactful museum displaying instruments of torture used during the Spanish Inquisition. Features explanations about the historical context and methods used. A sobering look at historical practices in contrast to the town's beauty.

Religious Site

Colegiata de Santa Juliana

A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture dating from the 12th century. This collegiate church features a stunning cloister with intricately carved columns, a beautiful doorway, and impressive capitals that tell biblical stories. Named after Saint Juliana, whose relics are housed inside.

Public Square

Plaza Mayor

The central square of Santillana del Mar, surrounded by medieval and Renaissance mansions featuring elaborate coats of arms. The heart of this living museum town where traditional architecture has been preserved intact for centuries.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain

The Cave of Altamira contains outstanding examples of cave art from the Upper Paleolithic period. The site was extended in 2008 to include 17 additional caves in northern Spain, representing the apogee of Paleolithic cave art between 35,000 and 11,000 years ago. The caves display remarkable examples of prehistoric artistic techniques, including the masterful use of color, three-dimensional effects, and the incorporation of natural rock formations into the compositions.

Inscribed: 1985Cultural

Where to Stay in Santillana del Mar

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Jun 29 — Jul 2

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Quick Facts

Region: Cantabria
Population: 4,031
Coordinates: 43.3891°N, -4.1082°W

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Jun 29 - Jul 2

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Nearby Cities

Santander(185,000)Liérganes(2,383)Comillas(2,200)Comillas(2,200)Potes(1,500)

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