Catedral de Santander
Catedral de Santander
3.5
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3.5
613 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
251
Average
193
Poor
26
Terrible
16
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macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,766 contributions
Nov 2022
Santander Cathedral is the Basilica-Cathedral of Santander and dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. A church has been at this site since the 8th century, while the Gothic cathedral dates to the 14th century. Sadly the building was badly damaged in the Santander Fire of 1941, but the church was rebuilt in a style sympathetic to the original Gothic design.
The building assumes an elevated position with the lower portion built over a Romanesque structure where the foundations remain and partially on display. The lower level is the crypt, but also contains what is referred to as the Iglesia del Cristo with a high altar seemingly dedicated to the crucifixion. It's worth visiting the lower level just to see the sculpture of pieta next to the altar.
The dome above the transept is covered with a lantern dome ending a beautifully shaped star shaped rib vault.
The upper level of the building is the cathedral proper. Entry isn't free, although the entrance fee is only a token amount. The interior of the cathedral isn't as richly decorated compared to other cathedrals of Northern Spain. The most lavish decoration is the Baroque altarpiece celebrating the assumption. The apex of the altarpiece depicts Mary being lifted into heaven by angels. In the centre of the altarpiece is a beautiful sculpture of Mary, looking up and witnessing her own assumption. Around the high altar is a semi circular ambulatory which contains two altars devoted to Saint Fernando III of Castile and to Saint Matthias, and two more sumptuous golden Baroque altar pieces.
The building assumes an elevated position with the lower portion built over a Romanesque structure where the foundations remain and partially on display. The lower level is the crypt, but also contains what is referred to as the Iglesia del Cristo with a high altar seemingly dedicated to the crucifixion. It's worth visiting the lower level just to see the sculpture of pieta next to the altar.
The dome above the transept is covered with a lantern dome ending a beautifully shaped star shaped rib vault.
The upper level of the building is the cathedral proper. Entry isn't free, although the entrance fee is only a token amount. The interior of the cathedral isn't as richly decorated compared to other cathedrals of Northern Spain. The most lavish decoration is the Baroque altarpiece celebrating the assumption. The apex of the altarpiece depicts Mary being lifted into heaven by angels. In the centre of the altarpiece is a beautiful sculpture of Mary, looking up and witnessing her own assumption. Around the high altar is a semi circular ambulatory which contains two altars devoted to Saint Fernando III of Castile and to Saint Matthias, and two more sumptuous golden Baroque altar pieces.
Written 13 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simpsonite64
Northampton, UK699 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Cheap tickets. Not so much of a tour or an attraction as the chance to just walk around inside. Not much to see, can't go up the tower. Outer bit appeared to be free for anyone to enter.
Personally wouldn't bother.
Personally wouldn't bother.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve_Grant1
Oldham, UK1,841 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
This is a nice but not outstanding church for me. The cloisters are the best but. Make sure that you also visit the lower church underneath the cathedral. Care re mass times as they impact on opening to the public.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Volcandemorcilla
Tenerife, Spain1,619 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The Cathedral is worth visiting, without a doubt, with the help of a guide. It is much better understood because they also explain how Santander has developed after the various tragedies it has suffered (bombings, explosions and fires). The schedules appear on the Cultural Circuit page. In reality, the Cathedral is not just one but two. I liked the lower one better, which is Romanesque and older.
Written 9 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lcuervo
Miami Springs, FL20 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
Arrived on a Sunday while mass was going on and were told we couldn't enter. However, when we told them that we wanted to listen to mass they let us in.
Written 26 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrJanetHall
Melbourne, Australia247 contributions
June 2014 • Solo
I could not feel a warm power in this place of worship. It seemed still and cold. I believe it is a good place for prayer as there are no distractions.
Written 2 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hackford
Norwich, UK337 contributions
June 2013 • Couples
A large white stone building which stands out among the surrounding buildings only a short walk from the port. This is a Gothic cathedral with a history dating back 800 years. We walk around the Cloisters before entering the cathedral and it was impressive with magnificent Gothic arches, ribbed vaulting, large supporting piers, beautiful stained glass and a surprise (as we didn`t know its history before hand) the vaulted Nave and Gospel aisle of the lower church. We had not expected such a surprise and delightful interior as the external view of the building disguised what was to be revealed later! One should not miss visiting this truly outstanding building when in Santander.
Written 1 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damien B
Dublin, Ireland87 contributions
June 2019
having just completed a section of the Camino, a visit to this great medieval cathedral was a must and well worth the €1 admission.
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mumistheword
United Kingdom49 contributions
July 2017 • Friends
Difficult to believe the sea once came up to the walls of the cloisters. Well worth a visit in my book. In the middle of everything, easy to find with a beautiful cloister of gentle pale sandstone - a peaceful retreat on a busy day. The cathedral itself is unimposing but again peaceful and very popular with nuns.
Underneath the hidden crypt church boasts a delightful organ which was being restored when we visited.
Underneath the hidden crypt church boasts a delightful organ which was being restored when we visited.
Written 24 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HateRipOffs2014
Fife, UK30 contributions
Oct 2015
Great cathedral. Only one euro entrance fee . Although of you go to mass them it costs nothing right in centre of city opposite ferry port.
Written 20 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No would be my first answer, lot of steps around it but in reality they must have access
Written 12 June 2019
Es gratis; solamente está prohibida la entrada en los momentos en que hay misa, por respeto
Written 5 September 2017
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