Palacio de la Magdalena, Santander, Spain

The Palacio de la Magdalena was built between 1909 and 1911, by popular subscription, to house the Spanish Royal Family. Built by the architects Javier González Riancho and Gonzalo Bringas Vega, is located in the place where the old Fort of San Salvador de Hano was, which protected the entrance to the bay.

The design and construction of the palace were overseen by architects Javier González de Riancho and Gonzalo Bringas Vega, with construction completed in 1912. King Alfonso XIII and his family first arrived at the Palacio de la Magdalena on August 4, 1913, and returned annually to summer at the palace through 1930. The royal family used the palace as a base for numerous recreational and sporting activities, and the king sometimes also held government meetings at the property. The annual trips ended with the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931.

Beginning in 1932, the palace was used to host summer courses through the Menéndez Pelayo International University. In 1977 the Count of Barcelona sold the palace and the peninsula back to the city of Santander for 150 million pesetas. The palace was declared an historical monument in 1982 and renovated between 1993 and 1995. It is the most visited place in the city of Santander and continues to be used as a conference and meeting hall to the present day.

Design

The building has an eclectic style, combining English, French, and regional architectural styles. It has two points of entry, a north entrance with a Porte-cochère for carriages, and a second entrance to the south which was designed as the main entrance. The building is covered with stone masonry slate. The highlight of the interior is the reception rooms, which hold paintings of interest by artists such as Luis Benedito, Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, and Fernando Alvarez Sotomayor.

The stables were designed by Javier González de Riancho. They emulate a medieval English village with sharp roofs of steep slopes and wooden tiles. After summer courses were started, the stables were converted to student dormitories.

User Reviews

Merike L (11 months ago)
Beautiful old building. Great for events like seminars, weddings, book tours etc.

Tom Hallahan (12 months ago)
Amazing setting. It is more about the surrounds of the palace, the great walking trail and the breathtaking views in all directions from the location that sets this attraction apart, rather than the palace itself. It would be great if there are more affordable and less elitist eateries for Joe Public to enjoy.

Marius Eana (12 months ago)
This place is amazing, first of all the entrance is free, you pay only if you want to go inside the castle. Is so nice to come here in the summer and stay on a blanket. You have nice things to see here. Love Santander

Robert Nuszpl (2 years ago)
Lovely little peninsula with a nice castle looking building on the top with magnificent views. There is a little "train" service for the ones who can't/do not want to walk but honestly, it is worth the effort. Not too hilly and if you go anti-clockwise you will reward yourself with a chance to see cute little penguins and see lions! Definitely recommend when you are in Santander! For adults and children alike!

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Palacio de la Magdalena

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