In the green region (Autonomous Community) of Cantabria, in northern Spain between the Basque Country, Castile and León and the Principality of Asturias, you will find charming villages, beaches, natural coves and valleys of incredible beauty hidden among the mountains. Furthermore, in the archaeological deposits scattered throughout the territory, traces of the first inhabitants of the region dating back to the Palaeolithic are preserved, such as for example the rock paintings of the Altamira cave (cueva de Altamira) which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other cultural assets of Cantabria are the Camino de Liébana, a section of the Camino de Santiago which crosses the region in the coastal area; the Church of Santa María de la Asunción in Castro-Urdiales; the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana in Santillana del Mar; and the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana in Camaleño.
Throughout its history, the region has inherited an important material and immaterial heritage from the tribes and populations who settled in the territory, preserved in its museums, monuments, churches, festivals, gastronomy, crafts and literature. In particular, oral tradition has transmitted beliefs, myths and superstitions of Celtic origin over time which are often found in festive rituals, written stories and traditional songs. There are many celebrations of historical-cultural interest in which you can immerse yourself in local culture, such as Good Friday (Viernes Santo) in Castro-Urdiales, the Santoña Carnival, the Battle of the Flowers of Laredo, the Cantabrian Wars in Los Corrales de Buelna and the Day of Cantabria (Día de Cantabria) in Cabezón de la Sal.
However, another good way to delve into the identity of Cantabria is to visit the cities that preserve precious treasures in their museums and civil and religious buildings. In the village of Comillas there is the Sobrellano Palace in neo-Gothic style by Joan Martorell and the Capricho in modernist style by Antoní Gaudí, two examples of extraordinary 19th century architecture by two famous Catalan architects.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana in Santillana del Mar, the Collegiate Church of Santa Cruz de Castañeda in Socobio, and the Collegiate Church of San Martín de Elines, whose medieval architecture is enormously surprising when visiting them, date back to the 12th century in Romanesque style.
In the museums of the region like for example the National Museum and Research Centre of Altamira where prehistoric objects found in the cave of Altamira and other caves in Cantabria are preserved, and the Ethnographic Museum of Cantabria in Muriedas located in the house of Pedro Velarde, a historical figure relevant to the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814), you will explore in depth the local culture.
And in other museums, you will also discover other aspects linked to the marine world for example in the Cantabrian Maritime Museum, and to the world of art as in the modern Botín Centre, both located in Santander.
Tasting the local gastronomy is another excellent way to learn about the roots of Cantabria and its genuine products. And in its markets you can find local specialties. Therefore, visiting some cities or places that include these elements is to have a direct and complete experience of Cantabrian culture.
In Castro Urdiales, located between the Cantabrian Sea and the Bay of Biscay, in addition to the splendid beaches and high cliffs with spectacular landscape observation points, there are historic buildings, monuments and assets of cultural interest such as the church of Santa Maria de la Asunción in Gothic style; the medieval castle-lighthouse of Santa Ana; the Palace, Castle and Gardens of Ocharan from the early 20th century in modernist style; and the Flaviobriga deposit with remains from the Roman and medieval era. To learn more about what to see in Castro Urdiales, read here.
Laredo is surrounded by mountains and bordered by the Ría de Treto river which flows into the sea. In addition to the Protected Natural Park (Parque Natural de las Marismas de Santoña) and the beaches, it has an interesting historical-cultural heritage such as the remains of the medieval wall, the church of Santa Maria de la Asunción in Gothic style, the historic centre and buildings that keep their original architecture. To learn more about what to see in Laredo, read here.
Finally, Santander is located along a bay with spectacular views of the coast and the Cantabrian Sea. In addition to lush parks, paradisiacal beaches and a peninsula dominated by an elegant English-style palace, there are museums of particular interest such as the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, the House Museum of the Pelayo family and the Cantabrian Maritime Museum; historic buildings and churches; traditional festivals such as the Wave Bathing Festival (Fiesta Baños de Ola) and the Big Week of Santander and tasty traditional gastronomy. To learn more about what to see in Santander, read Santander.
