Santillana del Mar Attractions
Santillana del Mar, lying a little inland of the Cantabrian coast, is a charming little town which preserves the atmosphere of the past and is now protected as a national monument. With its old mansions flaunting their coats of arms, Santillana - now bearing the marks of a thriving tourist trade - gives a unique picture of the way of life of the old country nobility of Spain, even though some of the houses are now occupied by souvenir and craft shops. The town grew up in the fifth century around the Monasterio de Santa Juliana and was granted its municipal charter in the 13th century. Two centuries later, with the creation of the marquisate of Santillana, many noble families moved to the town and built the palaces and mansions which give the town its special character. Santillana is also known as the fictional birthplace of Gil Blas, hero of the picaresque novel "Gil Blas de Santillane" by the 18th century French writer Alain-René Lesage.
Calle de Santo Domingo
The town is entered by Calle de Santo Domingo, on the right hand side of which is the 18th century Casa de la Villa (now a hotel), notable for its semicircular balconies.
Casa de los Valdivieso
From the Palacio Barreda-Bracho, Calle de las Lindas leads into Calle del Cantón, at the corner of which is the Casa de los Valdivieso.
Convento de Regina Coeli (El Museo Diocesano Regina Coeli)
A little out of the town center, near the large parking lot, the Convento de Regina Coeli now houses a museum of religious art.
Marqués Coat of Arms
In Calle del Cantón are the Palacio del Marqués de Santillana and the Casa de los Hombrones, with a coat of arms supported by two warriors.
Palacio Barreda-Bracho
Keeping left where the street divides, we come into the Plaza de Ramón Pelayo, in which, on the right, is the 17th century Palacio Barreda-Bracho, now the Parador Nacional Gil Blas. On the left rises the massive Torre Borja-Barreda (15th century), with a Gothic-arched doorway.
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