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Currents
October 2017
Globetrotter
Currents
October 2017
> continued from page 8
By: Max Edwards
sa ntander, sp ain
Santander is of quiet renown. Most visitors dis-
cover the city’s charms while driving to other towns
along Spain’s northern coast. But, on its own, San-
tander, capital of the Cantabrian region, merits a
visit. Few cities in Spain offer cultural elegance with
dramatic seascape as background.
From Santander Bay, one understands why
Ancient Romans, and traders thereafter, favored the
city’s port. But Santander offered more than mar-
itime shelter: Pilgrims of the Middle Ages, traveling
westward toward Santiago de Compostela, on the
Way of Saint James, also found refuge here.
Santander, first mentioned in texts in 1068,
Magdalena (built in 1909), archi-
tecture reminiscent of Belle
Époque grandeur, several art and
historical museums, the porticos
of Plaza Porticado, the Esper-
anza market place, and a
cityscape of terraces built to enjoy
the mountain-ringed bay.
Take the tourist-friendly one-
hour boat ride to gain better per-
spective of the city from the bay.
The beaches are not to be
missed: El Sardinero, Los Peli-
gros, and La Magdalena being
best known. The Magdalena
Peninsula, 69 acres near the
entrance to the Bay of Santander,
offers stunning views. The Light-
house of Cabo Mayor perches
above rugged cliffs, 150 feet
above sea level.
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954-749-3330
continued on page 10 >
Proudly Serving Palm-Aire, the Beaches and Surrounding Communities
already housed religious relics (the heads of two
saints) in the 9th century, in the Abbey of The Holy
Bodies. By the early 20th century, Santander grew
to prominence as a summer residence for European
royalty. In spite of a devastating fire in 1941, San-
tander rebuilt, and continued to grow. Today, it hosts
the headquarters of Banco Santander, Spain’s
largest bank and corporate entity.
Visitors to Santander find a panoply of comforts,
from delicious seafood, to first-class golfing, to non-
hectic sightseeing. Start at the harbor where, for
centuries, the products of Castile set sail for the
world’s markets. Worth visiting are the Custom
House and the modern aquarium.
From the harbor, stroll down the wide Avenida de
Alfonso XIII, to the west, site of the 13th century
Gothic Cathedral. There are many walking options:
the outstanding Pereda gardens, the Palacio de la
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1221 S. Powerline Rd.
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
To all my friends, neighbors and clients in the Southeast Florida Area:
I hope you are all safe and suffered little damage from Hurricane Irma.
We were very lucky to have escaped the brunt of the storm. I send out
prayers to those less fortunate in the Caribbean, the Keys and West
Coast of Florida.
Please be generous and try to help those in need.
Call Reardin for results!
View Listings at: www.billreardin.southfloridamls.com
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