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A religious town indeed, its main cathedral, Nuestra Seņora del Puerto captivates the hearts of devout persons all around the world. Built in the 14th century, the church was originally a Benedictine monastery named after Monte Hano, a famous Franciscan from Austria. Aside from its sacerdotal importance, the church is an architectural marvel as well. The cathedral exhibits an exquisite blend of Romantic and Gothic elements, giving visitors an atmosphere suited for reflection and meditation.
The Monastery of Santa Maria Del Puerto is another religious and historical marvel. Its architecture is also an amazing sight. It was said to be built sometime between the 13th and 17th century. Aside from the spectacular faįade of the monastery, the famed gothic portrait of Maria is an added jewel to the place.
Places of historical importance are the ports of San Carlos and San Martin. The castle of San Carlos is a must-see whenever in town. The northern part of Santoņa is the Monte Ganzo and with the height of 376 meters, it is an alluring and dominant attraction. When youre within the vicinity, you can try to have a walk and find the beautiful lighthouse of Faro de la Punta del Caballo which is situated very near Laredos lovely white beach.
Endowed with a natural beauty, the Reserva Natural de las Marismas de Santoņa (Natural Reserve for the Santoņa Marshes) is home to different species of birds in its marshland. The natural reserve is also known as the Doņana of the north. The place is just 50 km. away from Bilbao and is divided into distinctive parcels namely the Marismas de Santoņa, Monte Buciero, and Marismas de Victoria Joyel. The entire reserve is more than 3,000 in area. The limestone marvel with peaks as high as 376 meters, the virgin green forests and the fresh water, all combine to make the reserve an ecological haven. About 144 species of water birds cheerfully thrive in the marshes.
Being an ichthyologic park, the reserve is home to various aquatic birds that bird lovers and tourists alike would enjoy watching. In fact, bird enthusiasts from around the world frequently visit the place. Below is a partial list of the popular birds seen in the Reserva Natural de las Marismas de Santoņa:
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Bar-tailed Godwits
Black-headed Gulls
Black-necked Grebe
Black-throated
Black-winged Stilt
Black Kites
Brent
Chough
Cirl Bunting
Curlew
Dunlin
Firecrest
Gadwall
Glaucous Gull
Goldeneye
Great Northern
Great White Egret
Grey Plover
Greylag Goose
Guillemot
Hobby
Honey Buzzard
Little Egret
Little Bittern
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Little Ringed Plover
Long-tailed Duck
Oystercatcher
Peregrine
Pink-footed Geese
Pochard
Purple Heron
Razorbill
Red Kites
Red-necked
Red-throated Divers
Scaup
Shag
Shelduck
Shoveler
Slavonian Grebes
Sparrow hawk
Tawny Pipit
Velvet Scoter
Water Rail
Whimbrel
White-tailed Eagle
Wigeon
Yellow-legged Gull
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