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| Town History |
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In the Roman era, archaeological remains unearthed in the Pen de la Magdalena (Magdalena Peninsula), San Mart and in the Catedral (Cathedral) reveal the existence of a Roman settlement, traditionally known as Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium .
At the start of the Middle Ages, the settlement was concentrated in the area surrounding the Cathedral. The San Emeterio and San Celedonio Monastery and the Castillo de San Felipe (San Felipe Castle) were also in the vicinity. Santander appears to have originated in the Latinized form of Saint Emeterio, Sancti Emetherii, which passed through several versions before becoming the name we know today - Sant Em'ter / San Ender / Sant Ander.
Santander was involved in numerous naval battles during the Spanish Reconquest against the Moors. Later, Santander and Laredo became the principal ports of the Kings of Castille , especially important in the wool trade with Flanders. At the end of the XVI century, however, the town was destroyed by the plague and entered a period of economic decline.
During the 18 th century, trade with America revitalized Santander 's fortunes. Throughout the 19 th century, heavy trading with America brought about important changes in the city. Its population grew, the port and shipyards expanded and infrastructure of the city developed.
Santander experienced a boom in architecture and expansion in the early twentieth century, after the city became the summer favorite of King Alfonso XIII . Elaborate buildings such as the Del Palacio de la Magdalena (Magdalena Palace), the Gran Casino del Sardinero (Grand Casino in El Sardinero) and the Hotel Real (Royal Hotel) all date from this period.
In 1941 a terrible fire swept through Santander that tragically destroyed much of the Old Quarter. Nowadays, however, Santander is a well-restored, modern city, one of the loveliest on the Spanish coast. It is a very popular destination for tourists, especially due to its cultural heritage, exceptional buildings, cosmopolitan style, and seaside attractions.
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