Santillana del Mar: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Santillana del Mar is a historic town located in the autonomous community of Cantabria in northern Spain. Despite its name suggesting proximity to the sea ("del Mar" meaning "of the sea"), the town is actually situated several kilometers inland. The town is often referred to as one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Spain, with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture dating back to the 15th-18th centuries.

The town developed around the ancient Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture and an important stop on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Santillana del Mar is particularly notable for its proximity to the Cave of Altamira, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing some of the most significant Paleolithic cave art in Europe. The town's cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous historic buildings, including noble houses, towers, and religious structures that showcase the traditional architecture of northern Spain.