Santander
Santander The port city of Santander is the capital of Cantabria, situated on the north coast of Spain between Asturias and the Basque Country. Just over a third of Cantabrians live in Santander. History There has been human settlement in the coastal areas around the Bay of Santander since prehistoric times, and Roman settlement is cited in several classical sources. At the beginning of the Middle Ages the settlement was concentrated in the area surrounding the Cathedral. During the Reconquista, when Spain fought to recapture the country from the Moors, Santander was involved in numerous naval battles. In 1248 during the reign of Fernando III el Santo (The Saint), Santander took part in the battle for Seville, and, in recognition of its contribution, the King granted the town a coat of arms. Later, Santander and Laredo became the principal ports of the Kings of Castille, especially important in the wool trade with Flanders. At the end of the 16th century, however, the town was decimated by the plague and entered a period of economic decline. During the 18th century, trade with America revitalised Santander’s fortunes and in 1755 King Fernando VI conferred the title of city on Santander. Throughout the 19th century, heavy trading with America provided an economic boost. Santander experienced a boom in architecture and expansion in the early 20th century when it was patronised by King Alfonso XIII. Elaborate buildings such as the del Palacio de la Magdalena (Magdalena Palace), the Gran Casino del Sardinero (Grand Casino in El Sardinero) and the Hotel Real (Royal Hotel) all date from this period. In 1941 a fire destroyed much of the Old Quarter of Santander and a new build replaced the old quarter. What to See & Do in Santander