How to visit Palacio de la Magdalena (Santander): schedules, prices

On my trips to Santander For many years, I have always found a space to give a walk through the Magdalena peninsula and throughout the area of Sardinero.

In fact, Royal Palace of Magdalena It is undoubtedly one of the iconic images of the Cantabrian capital.

But the truth is that until my most recent trip to Santander I had not had the opportunity to visit its interior.

What's more, most of the time my trip coincided with the summer season and I thought it couldn't be visit tourism coinciding with the celebration of the traditional Summer courses for the Meléndez Pelayo University, which is not the case.

Curiosities about the history of the Magdalena Palace

El Magdalena Palace It was a gift from Santander town hall to the kings Alfonso XIII y Victoria Eugenie for their wedding in 1906.

The construction of the palace, paid for by popular subscription, was commissioned to the architects Gonzalo Bringas y Javier Gonzalez deRiancho, and the works were carried out between 1908 and 1912.

In August 1913 the kings took possession of the palace, which became royal summer residence up to 1930.

Located in the highest part of the Magdalena Peninsula, which presides over the Santander bay, it is said that the queen Victoria Eugenie She enjoyed the palace a lot because its architecture and landscape reminded her a lot of the British atmosphere. isle of wight.

After the proclamation of the Republic in 1931, a year later the palace became the headquarters of the new Santander International Summer University.

The palace also became the property of Don Juan, son of Alfonso XIII and father of the later King Juan Carlos.

In 1977 the Santander town hall It acquired said heritage, and years later the palace was rehabilitated, works that were completed in 1995.

At present, the Magdalena Palace houses the aforementioned summer courses and is conference and event venue, in addition to being able to be visited by the general public.

How to visit the Magdalena Palace in Santander

If you do not know Santander, I will tell you that to visit the palace you must access the great enclosure of the palace on foot. Magdalena Peninsula, which is open every day of the year.

If you go by car, you must leave it in the parking lot located next to the beach, on the access road to the palace.

From there you can take a pleasant walk through the municipal park that surrounds the palace,

And, likewise, from the northern part of the peninsula you will have beautiful views of the Sardinero beach and of all the Santander bay.

As you go up towards the palace, on the right you will see the royal stables Built in 1918 in a beautiful English style.

These buildings are currently the residence of the summer university students.

What to see when visiting the Magdalena Palace

In the sightseeing visit of the Magdalena Royal Palace You will enter through the north façade, through the old Carriage Porch, and inside you can see various rooms and rooms.

Among these palatial rooms, the so-called Alfonso XIII Room or the great Gala dining room.

It will also catch your attention Dance room, also known as the Queen's HallWell, I spent a lot of time there.

In this large room you should look at its large 18th century lamp.

But it is in the one known as Family Room where the kings spent the most time during their summer stays.

In this room you can see a painting of Sorolla...which curiously the people did not like Queen Victoria Eugenia.

Another area that you will also see is the small room of the oratory where portable altars from the early 19th century are preserved, and, of course, the Royal Hall from the main floor.

During your visit, be sure to look out the windows of the rooms on the second floor.

From there you have very beautiful Panoramic views of the gardens that surround the palace, as well as the Santander bay and the somo beach that extends in front of the Magdalena Peninsula.

Visiting hours of the Magdalena Palace

The palace tours they are made en español en guided groups of up to 50 people that leave every 15 minutes and last about 45 minutes

The Visiting hours of the Magdalena Palace in Santander During this exceptional time of health crisis they are, Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m., and from 16 p.m. to 18 p.m.

On weekends, visits are only in the mornings, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m.

El price of the visit to the Magdalena palace In Santander the general rate is 5 euros per person, with a reduced price of 2,50 euros for students from 18 to 25 years old, seniors +65, Youth Card from 18 to 26 years old, unemployed and large families.

Children under 12 years of age and people with disabilities can visit the Magdalena Palace for free.

For the essential prior reservation you must write at least 24 hours in advance by email Palaciomagdalena@santander.es

Of course, to walk around it enclosure of the Magdalena peninsula, a very popular habit among visitors and residents of Santander, you have long hours as it opens every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 22 p.m., and access is free.

Photos of the Magdalena Palace

Here you have more photos of the Magdalena Royal Palace a essential visit to do on your trip to Santander.