Embark on a unique journey through the streets of Santander and discover the places that inspired some of the most outstanding writers in Spanish literature. From poets to journalists, every step you take will bring you closer to the rich literary heritage of this city.
We begin our route at León Felipe's pharmacy, at number 7, Plaza de La Esperanza, where literary gatherings used to be held. Although his stay in Santander was brief, his influence on local culture endures to this day. León Felipe, poet and pharmacist, arrived in Santander when he was 9 years old. The gatherings in his pharmacy were famous, but debts forced him to leave the city.
Testimony to this first stop can be found in the book "Los años santanderinos de León Felipe" (The Santander years of León Felipe) written by Aurelio García Cantalapiedra
We continue on to the Gerardo Diego Foundation, at number 6 of Calle Gravina. This institution is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the poet from Santander. Gerardo Diego was one of the main exponents of the Generation of '27. Here, poetry lovers can immerse themselves in the work and life of this outstanding writer.
EOn our next stop, we explore the Casa-Museo Menéndez Pelayo, which houses the personal library of the illustrious intellectual Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo. This collection is a treasure trove for researchers in the humanities and bibliography. Menéndez Pelayo was a great Spanish intellectual whose personal library he donated to the city of Santander. It is currently closed and in the process of being refurbished.
We now move on to the street dedicated to Amós de Escalante, poet and author of the emblematic verse "Musa del septentrión, melancolía"(Muse of the north, melancholy). A graduate in Physical and Natural Sciences, his works reflect the beauty of the Cantabrian landscape and its deep connection with the sea.
Our steps continue towards the Jardines de Pereda, which pays homage to the Cantabrian writer whose works of manners capture the essence of life in Cantabria and, of course, in Santander. His stories take us back in time, showing us the society and traditions of the region. A distinguished member of the Royal Spanish Academy of Language, José María de Pereda left an invaluable literary legacy.
In this literary route through Santander we pay tribute to Concha Espina and Víctor de la Serna, two essential literary figures. Their works, full of sensitivity, invite us to explore worlds of beauty and emotion. Concha Espina, a prolific author, took her stories to the cinema, while Víctor de la Serna stood out for his profound knowledge of the social and political reality of his time.
Nor could we miss a stop for the profound and evocative poetry of José Hierro. We are right in the middle of the Paseo Marítimo, where we can admire this beautiful Corten steel sculpture by Gema Soldevilla.
A member of the Proel group, Hierro's verses explore universal themes such as love, life and death. Winner of important literary prizes, the writer left an indelible mark on contemporary Spanish poetry.
We arrive at the monument dedicated to Gerardo Diego, in Reina Victoria and in his usual pose inspired by one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Renowned for his originality and constant exploration of new poetic forms, Diego enriched the Spanish literary scene. His work has been awarded and distinguished, contributing to the country's cultural legacy.
Next, we look at the legacy of José Estrañi, a prominent journalist who left his mark on Santander through his work on several local newspapers. Together with the Rodríguez Parets brothers, he founded the newspaper El Cantábrico, thus contributing to the city's journalistic scene. His participation in La Voz Montañesa led him to publish his satirical "pacotillas", which reflected his acute vision of the society of the time.
José Estrañi has a prominent place in Santander, too, in the middle of Reina Victoria, an avenue that is home to most of the stops on this magnificent literary promenade.
José del Río is our next stop in Reina Victoria. Near the entrance to the Peninsula de La Magdalena we find the sculpture of this poet and journalist whose work reflects his deep connection with the sea and his experience as a sailor. Director of the newspapers La Atalaya and La Voz de Cantabria, his poetry represents a clear example of poetic modernism in the region. Although he was forced to leave Santander during the civil war, his legacy lives on through his verses full of nostalgia and beauty.
Now our steps lead us to the honorary statue of the famous writer Benito Pérez Galdós. He found in Santander an idyllic setting from which he drew the inspiration for many of his works, which portray the landscape, villages and people of Cantabria. He maintained close friendships with other local writers, such as José María de Pereda and Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, thus enriching his literary experience.
And we end this route in El Sardinero, right in Mesones Park, in front of the bust of José Luis Hidalgo, a poet and painter whose work was cut short by his early death. A member of the Proel group, his book "Los muertos" (The Dead) is considered one of the fundamental titles of 20th century Spanish poetry. In his verses, death and love are recurring themes, reflecting his profound exploration of the human condition. His work, influenced by surrealist and existentialist currents, continues to inspire generations of poets.
