Santillana del Mar

Located in the province of Cantabria, Spain, Santillana del Mar is a small medieval town often referred to as the “Town of Three Lies.” Despite its name, it is not near the sea, nor is it a true town, but rather a village. Also, it was not founded by the monks, but rather by the secular nobility. However, despite these “lies,” Santillana del Mar is a charming place that will take you back in time. Getting to Santillana del Mar is best done by car, as it is a small village that is not connected to any major cities. However, there is also a bus that goes to Santander, the closest large city, and from there you can take another bus to the village. The nearest airport is Santander Airport. Upon arrival, you will be transported to another era, as the village is full of medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. One of the main attractions is the Colegiata de Santa Juliana, a Romanesque church from the 12th century, with an impressive portal and beautiful cloister. Another must-see is the Diocesan Museum Regina Coeli, which houses a collection of religious art and objects from different periods. For those who want to get a taste of the medieval era, a visit to the Torre del Merino is recommended. This tower was built in the 14th century and served as a prison and a place for storing taxes. Now, it is a museum where you can learn about the history of the tower and the role it played in the village. From the tower, you can also enjoy a stunning view of the village and the surrounding countryside. Santillana del Mar has also been a key location in the history of the Camino de Santiago. For many pilgrims, the village is the first stop on their journey, and it has a strong spiritual and religious significance. The village offers several accommodations for pilgrims, such as hostels and cheap hotels. Finally, for those who like to try local food, Santillana del Mar offers a variety of traditional dishes from Cantabria, such as cocido montañés (a stew made with beans, cabbage, and meat), sobaos (a type of cake), and quesada (a type of cheesecake). In summary, Santillana del Mar is a charming village that offers plenty of history and culture, combined with serene surroundings and local cuisine. It is definitely worth a visit for those who want to take a step back in time and enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.