History of Santander
by DanielF
The foundation of Santander is attributed to the Romans, although there existed a previous settlement of the aboriginal Cantabrians. The Roman city was named Portvs Victoriae Ivliobrigensis.
In the Middle Ages, Santander and other towns of the Northern coast of Spain achieved prosperity and notoriety thanks to fishing, shipbuilding and trade with French, Flemish and English ports. It is in this period that the city got its current name, which is actually a corruption of Santi Emeterii, after one of its Saint Patrons.
The greatest development of Santander came in the XVIII century, when it achieved the status of city and was allowed to trade with America.
On the turn between the XIX and XX centuries, Santander became a fashionable holiday resort with well-heeled Spaniards. This period that left the most interesting architectural print in the city. The oldest area, unfortunately, was lost after an explosion in the port in 1893 and a devastating fire that burnt part of the city to ashes for various days in 1941 and left thousands homeless.
Santander is currently an administrative city of about 200.000 inhabitants, capital of the Autonomous Community of Cantabria.
Slippery Little Devils
by nhcram
This market was a fantastic sight. The Spaniards really love their fresh fish, so fresh that most of the lobsters and prawns were still alive!!
There seemed to be every kind of fish imagineable.
The noise in there was incredible too.
Great for people watching and getting a feel of the locals going about their daily routine.
Picturesque towns near Santander
by andal13
Santander is situated in a beautiful region, and surrounded by some interesting and picturesque towns, like Santillana del Mar, Comillas, Castro Urdiales, San Vicente de la Barquera or Laredo. You can take a bus or drive your car from Santander to visit some of these charming towns.
The picture shows La Colegiata a Romanesque monastery in Santillana del Mar.
Santander está situada en una hermosa región, y rodeada por algunos pueblos pintorescos e interesantes, como Santillana del Mar, Comillas, Castro Urdiales, San Vicente de la Barquera o Laredo. Sea en bus o en auto, se pueden visitar algunos de estos pueblitos encantadores.
La foto muestra La Colegiata, un monasterio románico en Santillana del Mar.
Eating on the beach
by DanielF about Rhin
Do not let the gawky observation deck put you off this restaurant! The sea views from themain dining room are unbeatable, as it is litterally built on the First Beach of El Sardinero. The ambience is classic and elegant; and the food is of the best quality, focusing obviously on fish specialities.
Book one window table for a memorable meal.
The restaurant makes part of a local hotels group (Grupo Rhin), which includes a hotel across the road (Hotel Rhin), which also has a celebrated restaurant (La Cúpula del Rhin).
Enjoy the views: The Island of Mouro
by DanielF
The Island of Mouro is not but a rocky islet at the entrance of the Santander Bay, but it is one of the most recognisable features from the Palace of the Madeleine. It also hosts one of the biggest lighthouses that guard the Bay of Santander.
The island is best viewed from the Magdalena Peninsula at sunset.
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Paseo de Pereda (Santander, Spain)
Paseo de Pereda (Santander, Spain)
La Magdalena.
Looking out to sea.
