There is no doubt that the Palacio de La Magdalena is one of the most emblematic buildings of Santander. Situated on the highest point of the Península de La Magdalena, it was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia for seventeen years.
It was built between 1908 and 1912 to the design of Gonzalo Bringas and Javier González de Riancho; the Town Council of Santander gave it to the King and Queen as a gift. It is well known how fond Queen Victoria Eugenia was of this place, as it reminded her of the English landscapes of her homeland.
Used until 1930 by the royal family, since then the Palacio has been put to the most varied uses: the venue of the International Summer University, a hospital, and a temporary residence for those affected by the great fire of 1941.
In 1977 the Town Council of Santander bought this heritage site, which underwent a major restoration that was completed in 1995.
Currently the interior of the Palacio de La Magdalena is an extremely versatile place: it can be visited, it holds numerous congresses and varied events, and it is the centre of the activities of the summer courses of the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (Menéndez Pelayo International University).
For further information visit its website or call 942 203 084
