The Palacio de la Magdalena crowns the highest point of the Magdalena Peninsula in Santander, with the Cantabrian Sea on three sides. It was built in the early 20th century as the summer home of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia. The look is English country house with French touches, and the former stables are in Tudor style. The interior opens only through short guided tours of the ground floor. The wide public gardens are free, with sea views, walking paths, a small zoo with penguins and seals, a playground and a café.
A palace paid for by the public
The palace was financed by popular subscription and offered to the Spanish royal family as a summer residence. The aim was to draw the royal family and the wider European elite to Santander and to make the city a high-class resort. It worked. King Alfonso XIII chose the highest point of the peninsula for the site, and the city's popularity with the aristocracy grew from then on.
The architects were Gonzalo Bringas and Javier González de Riancho. The palace was completed in the early 1910s, and the royal family used it for their summers from 1913 until 1930. Some sources say the design was inspired by Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Architecture and grounds
The building is eclectic. It resembles an English country house, with French influence, and the former stables are in Tudor style. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in Santander and a good example of early 20th century architecture in northern Spain.
The gardens cover about 62 acres and include rocky beaches along the peninsula's edge. The paths are well kept, and there are monuments and works of art along the way. Deer live in the park, and the small zoo has penguins and seals. From the top you can see the old town, the beaches, the bay and the Isla de Mouro, whose lighthouse dates from 1858.
The guided visit
Inside, you see the ground floor only, on a guided tour that lasts under an hour. The guide talks about a small number of rooms and objects, some of them preserved from the royal period. The palace has been restored several times, so many original features have been replaced. The visit is short and the interior limited, and most people find the setting the larger part of the experience.
The tour is in Spanish. If you do not speak the language, use the English alternative on your phone through the QR code. The palace opens to visitors only at set times on weekends, so plan the day around the tour.
A working building
The palace is not a museum. Since 1933 it has been linked to the Menéndez Pelayo International University, which holds summer courses here. It also hosts meetings, conferences and weddings, and it was refurbished in the 1970s for this use. Parts of it can therefore be closed for events. Work has also been carried out on the building in recent years, so check the website before you go.
The peninsula has more to see on foot. The walk along the coast leads toward a lighthouse and a viewpoint over the cliffs, and the Bikinis beach is close by. You can also reach the Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo on foot.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for the Palacio de la Magdalena?
The gardens are free. The interior is visited on a guided tour with a paid ticket, and advance booking is recommended. Check the palace website for the current price.
How long does the palace tour take?
The guided tour lasts under an hour and covers the ground floor only. With the gardens, plan one to three hours.
Is the tour available in English?
The tour is given in Spanish. An English alternative is offered through a QR code on your phone.
How do you get to the palace from the center of Santander?
You can walk from the city center in about 35 minutes. There is free parking near the palace.
Is the palace suitable for children?
Yes. The grounds have a playground and a small zoo with penguins and seals, and deer live in the park. The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
