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History, culture and art

Interesting itineraries

The long history of Cantabria has left numerous cultural traces in the region. The various settlers who from prehistory to the present day have occupied this territory have brought with them the possibility of our finding important samples of each of their cultures that can be visited today in the form of interesting itineraries.


It is not for nothing that the region is characterised by some internationally important monuments.

 

Palaeolithic art

The various settlers who from prehistory to the present day have occupied this territory have brought with them the possibility of our finding important samples of each of their cultures that can be visited today in the form of interesting itineraries.



Cantabria Palaeolithic art, the maximum exponent of which is Altamira, is the most notable of all and represents one of the greatest attractions, both culturally and from the tourist point of view.

 

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Cantabrians and Romans

The settlements of the Cantabrian, the last Iberian people to be conquered by Romans, have also left important traces in the region, such us of Romanisation process, the remains of which reveal the existence of flourishing cities that are mainly located in the south of Cantabria.


The main source of information regarding the Cantabrians is precisely the chronicles of their invaders, the Romans, who between the 1st century B.C and the 2nd century A.D encountered fierce resistance in the conquest of this territory.


This stelaes are the symbol per excellence of Cantabria identity. They are thought to be of religious origin; all of them have found in the Buelna Valley.

 

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Medieval Art

Centuries later, to be more precise in the 9th and 10th to coincide with the repopulation, the first cave shrines and churches were built. They are to be found mainly in the Valderredible valley in areas of great natural beauty, which gives the possibility of an alternative cultural route.


The monasteries that became collegiate churches in the 12th century were built later; four very significant examples can be visited. The passage of history feudal strength with its medieval towers distributed all over Cantabria, or the last journey of the emperor Charles V in the Asón valley, have also come to be reflected in tourism attractions that should be visited

 

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Romanesque Collegiate Churches

The monasteries played an important part in the process of repopulation of Cantabria; throughout the 12th century they were transformed into collegiate churches in the Romanesque style.


SANTILLANA DEL MAR

Located in the centre of this popular town, originated as a shrine. Subsequently it was converted into a monastery and later into a Romanesque collegiate church.



CASTAÑEDA

The collegiate church of Castañeda is one of the most spectacular Romanesque buildings. It was built in the first half of the 12th century.


SAN MARTÍN DE ELINES

It retains Mozarabic influences in the form of horseshoe arches in the cloister and in the cemetery. It houses some exceptional Romanesque paintings and very fine historiated capitals.



CERVATOS

Of monastic origin.. Its archivolts animalistic capitals are outstanding, the apse, and the prismatic tower.


CRYPT OF THE HOLY CHRIST

Bellow the Cathedral of Santander lies the crypt of the Holy Christ; it is a 13th century Romanesque and the most ancient monument of the regional capital. Here are kept the relics of the patron saints of Santander, Saint Emeterio and Saint Celedonio.

 

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