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Church · Santander, Cantábria
Catedral de Santander
Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption, on the former hill of Somorrostro, with a church-crypt below and visible Roman remains; it houses the mausoleum of Menéndez Pelayo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral de Santander
The Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção occupies the last remains of the former hill of Somorrostro, a promontory almost surrounded by the sea where the Romans settled and where the medieval town was born. The granting of a charter to Santander in 1187 brought economic growth and allowed the construction of the church, the castle and the walls.
The complex has two superimposed churches. Below is the igreja do Santíssimo Cristo, the old crypt, from the 13th century, with three low naves of Gothic arches. In the floor, under glass panels, Roman building remains can be seen. Above is the cathedral, Gothic, with three naves and four bays, enlarged and remodelled over the centuries, and a Gothic cloister.
The cathedral was heavily damaged in the great fire of 1941, which destroyed much of Santander’s centre, and it was restored in the following years. Inside is the mausoleum of the writer and scholar Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, born in the city, a work by the sculptor Victorio Macho.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes, including the crypt and the cloister.
Best time
In the morning, when no service is taking place; check the times beforehand.
How to get there
It is in the centre, on rua de los Azogues, about a 5-minute walk from Centro Botín and Paseo de Pereda.
Tip
Go down to the igreja do Santíssimo Cristo and look for the Roman remains under the glass panels in the floor.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Santander
What to see in the cathedral of Santander?
The church-crypt of the Santísimo Cristo, with Roman remains under glass, the Gothic nave, the cloister and the mausoleum of Menéndez Pelayo.
Was the cathedral affected by the 1941 fire?
Yes, it was severely damaged and restored in the following years.
Who is buried in the cathedral?
The writer and scholar Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, in a mausoleum by Victorio Macho.