Catedral

Dominating Santander's skyline with grace and grandeur, the Catedral, or Cathedral, stands as a spiritual beacon in the city. This Gothic masterpiece, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, invites pilgrims and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a sanctuary of tranquility and architectural splendor.
Approaching the Catedral, one is captivated by its intricate spires and the timeless beauty of its facade. Inside, the sacred aura of the cathedral envelops worshippers, and the interplay of light through stained glass creates an ethereal atmosphere. The Catedral's chapels and altars, adorned with religious art and sculptures, offer a glimpse into Santander's deep-rooted connection to its spiritual heritage.

The cathedral is a historical monumental complex built between the end of the 12th century and the 14th century on top of the former Santander Abbey also known as the "Abbey of the Holy Bodies" (Abadía de los Cuerpos Santos), an old monastery dedicated to Saints Emeterius and Celedonius.
The church was built from the 8th century on the hill known as Cerro de Somorrostro, surrounded by water, where the Roman settlement of Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium had previously been located, in order to keep safe the relics of the saints martyred in Calahorra five centuries before, when their skulls were brought to Santander by those escaping the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula.