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Palace · Santander, Cantábria
Palacio de la Magdalena
Palácio built between 1909 and 1911 by public subscription to serve as the summer residence of King Afonso XIII, on the península da Madalena, surrounded by a seaside park.
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 Palacio de la Magdalena
The Palácio da Madalena stands on the top of the península da Madalena, facing the isla de Mouro at the entrance to the bay of Santander. It was built between 1909 and 1911 by public subscription, with funds from the town hall and many local families, to be offered to the Spanish royal family. The site had previously been occupied by a small fort that protected the bay entrance.
The project is by architects José Ordóñez, Javier González de Riancho and Gonzalo Bringas, in an eclectic style with English influence. The palácio was furnished in 1913 and became the summer residence of King Afonso XIII and his family, who used it until the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931. In 1914 the stables were designed to imitate an English medieval village, with steep roofs.
Today the palácio belongs to the town hall and hosts conferences and the summer courses of the Universidade Internacional Menéndez Pelayo. The main rooms can be seen on guided tours.
The peninsula is a large open park, with lawns, woods, small beaches, an enclosure with seals and penguins and replicas of expedition ships.
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
About 1.5 to 2 hours, including the peninsula park.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, to enjoy the park and the bay views. Guided tours of the palácio have their own schedules; confirm before you go.
How to get there
It is on the península da Madalena, about 4 km from the center. There are urban buses. A tourist train runs inside the park in season.
Tip
Walk around the peninsula along the seashore: the view of the isla de Mouro and the lighthouse at the bay entrance is on the north side.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palacio de la Magdalena
For whom was the Palácio da Madalena built?
For the Spanish royal family, as the summer residence of King Afonso XIII, between 1909 and 1911.
Can you enter the palace?
Yes, with guided tours of the main rooms. Check the schedules before you go.
What is there on the península da Madalena?
A park with lawns, woods, small beaches, an enclosure with seals and penguins and replicas of boats.