Palace of La Magdalena
Cantabria
The Palace of La Magdalena, located on the Magdalena Peninsula in Santander, Cantabria, Spain, is a historic palace built between 1909 and 1911. Financed by popular subscription, it was gifted to the Spanish royal family as a summer residence. Designed by architects Javier González de Riancho and Gonzalo Bringas Vega, the palace showcases an eclectic architectural style combining English, French, and regional influences. The building features stone masonry slate and has two entrances, including a porte-cochère for carriages. The interior reception rooms are notable for paintings by renowned artists such as Luis Benedito, JoaquĂn Sorolla y Bastida, and Fernando Alvarez Sotomayor. Originally the site of the Fort of San Salvador de Hano, the palace replaced this historic fortification guarding the bay. King Alfonso XIII and his family used it as a summer retreat from 1913 until 1930, engaging in recreational activities and occasionally holding government meetings there. Since 1932, the palace has hosted summer courses for the MenĂ©ndez Pelayo International University. The stables, designed to resemble a medieval English village, were later converted into student dormitories. Purchased back by the city of Santander in 1977, it was declared a historical monument in 1982 and renovated in the 1990s. Today, it remains one of Santander's most visited landmarks and serves as a venue for conferences and cultural events, also featuring in popular Spanish media such as the TV series "Gran Hotel."
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during the spring or summer months to enjoy the palace's outdoor views and surrounding peninsula. It is advisable to check the official website for opening hours and to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The palace also hosts various cultural events and university courses, so checking the event calendar can enrich the visit experience.
Interesting facts
- •The palace was funded by popular subscription, including contributions from local families and organizations, demonstrating strong community involvement.
- •The stables were designed to emulate a medieval English village, featuring steep roofs and wooden tiles, a unique architectural element.
- •King Alfonso XIII used the palace not only for leisure but also occasionally held government meetings there.
- •The palace has been used as a filming location for the Spanish TV series "Gran Hotel."
- •The site originally housed the Fort of San Salvador de Hano, which protected the entrance to Santander's bay.
History
Construction of the Palace of La Magdalena began in 1909, funded by the local citizens of Santander through popular subscription, to serve as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family.
Completed in 1911 and furnished in 1913, King Alfonso XIII and his family used it regularly until the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931 ended royal visits.
Subsequently, from 1932, the palace served as a venue for summer courses by the Menéndez Pelayo International University.
In 1977, the palace and peninsula were sold back to the city of Santander by the Count of Barcelona.
It was declared a historic monument in 1982 and underwent restoration between 1993 and 1995 to preserve its architectural heritage and adapt it for modern use.
Place Guide
Reception Rooms
The palace's interior reception rooms are notable for their elegant decoration and house important paintings by artists such as Luis Benedito, JoaquĂn Sorolla y Bastida, and Fernando Alvarez Sotomayor, reflecting early 20th-century Spanish art.
Stables1914
Designed by Javier González de Riancho, the stables resemble a medieval English village with steeply pitched roofs and wooden framework. They were later converted into dormitories for university students attending summer courses.
Palace Exterior and Entrances1909-1911
The building features two main entrances: a north entrance with a porte-cochère designed for carriages, and a southern main entrance. The exterior is clad in stone masonry slate, blending English, French, and regional architectural styles.
Contact
Phone: 942 20 30 84
