Santillana
del Mar

Santillana del Mar was once a wealthy town along the Asturian coast, and a summer residence for the nobility. But it was overlooked in modern times, so has preserved its buildings and overall appearance much as it was at the end of the Middle Ages. Now it is a tourist destination, with shops and restaurants in the ancient houses. There is also a beautiful 11th-century church and monastery in the town, now a museum.

A street scene from Santillana del Mar.

An old cattle or goat trough, still functioning.

The edge of town, with the hills beyond.

The medieval church.

The medieval cloister.

Columns in the medieval cloister.

Details from the columns: a woman greets a man on horseback.

Soldiers fighting a lion.