Santillana del Mar

old town in Santillana del Mar
#3 in Santillana del Mar / #579 in Spain
Photo
by Nurfermi
/ CC BY-SA 4.0

Santillana del Mar is a charming historic town located in the Cantabria region of northern Spain. Often referred to as "the town of three lies" because it is neither a saint (Santo), nor flat (llana), nor by the sea (del Mar), Santillana del Mar is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The town's cobblestone streets are lined with stone buildings dating back to the 14th to 18th centuries, making it a picturesque destination for history enthusiasts. One of its most notable attractions is the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, an impressive Romanesque structure that houses the relics of the town's patron saint. Additionally, Santillana del Mar is in close proximity to the Altamira Caves, famous for their prehistoric cave paintings, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art.


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