Hidden in Cantabria is one of the most fascinating cities in Spain: Santillana del MarAlso known as the city of three lies. Her peculiar nickname is due to the fact that she is neither holy, nor flat, nor does she have the sea. The town has 4,000 inhabitants and its peculiarity are its medieval streets and its attractions.
National geographic travel was one of those who classified it as one of the most beautiful cities of 2024occupying first place on the list.
Why is it nicknamed the city of three lies?
As explained above, this beautiful city in Spain It is not holy, it is not flat and it has no sea. Although the first “lie” can be refuted since, although not considered a holy city, it has its own origin of the martyr of the Catholic Church Juliana of Nicomediawhen a group of monks chose the town during the Middle Ages to hide the relics of this saint.
Santillana del Mar: neither holy, nor flat, nor does it have a sea. Photo: iStock.Santillana del Mar is also not flat, and hence its second lie. Around its historic center there are small ups and downs which completely remove the name from the place.
Finally, the deception “of the sea”. The city does not have a beach, although other places in its municipality do. However, the presence of the sea in its name comes from maritime and commercial tradition who passed through the place.
The town stands out for its cobbled floor, worthy of the Middle Ages. Furthermore, it has the vestiges of the caves of Altamiradeclared as World Heritage Of UNESCO. The caves are located inside the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira.
The Caves of Altamira have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Photo: iStock.Another tourist attraction that the city appreciates for its art and history is the collegiate church of Santa Giuliana. This Romanesque monument has been declared National Monument of Spain in 1889.
Its origin derives from the expansion of the ancient monastery of the same name which took place towards the middle of the 12th century, when the monks built it to contribute to the repopulation of the area and create a hermitage to house the relics of Santa Giuliana.
Although before reaching the collegiate church, a sight to appreciate are the streets La Carrera, Cantón and del Río through which you arrive at the monument. Its buildings preserve medieval infrastructurewith cobbled streets and emblazoned buildings
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.