The 3 must-see royal palaces in northern Spain




By Fernandopascullo - Own work, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This article was written by Sophie Strid.

While travelling in Spain, you don’t have to limit yourself to Madrid or Barcelona to see historic royal buildings. The northern part of the country is just as intriguing when it comes to architecture and regions like Cantabria, and the Basque Country are home to a number of breathtaking buildings, each with an interesting history related to royal women. Here are three must-see royal palaces for your next history trip to Spain.

By Generalpoteito – Own work, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
  • Palacio de Miramar, San Sebastián, Basque Country

Ever since Queen Isabella II began spending her summers in San Sebastián in the late 19th century, the Spanish royal family has had strong ties to the Basque city. In 1893, Queen Maria Christina ordered the construction of Palacio de Miramar. Given a charming English Cottage style, the palace served as a summer residence for the Queen until her death in 1929, and her presence in the city helped establish San Sebastián as the tourist mecca of the north. Located on the shore of the Cantabrian Sea, Palacio de Miramar offers impeccable views of the city and is a must-see when travelling through the region.

By Fernandopascullo – Own work, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
  • Palacio de La Magdalena, Santander, Cantabria

Just like Palacio de Miramar had been essential to the development of the tourism of San Sebastián, Palacio de La Magdalena played a key role in the establishment of the capital of Cantabria. Its eclectic style is reminiscent of English and French neoclassical buildings and shows fine Baroque influences. Situated on a peninsula overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, the royal palace was built between 1909 and 1911 and served as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family. King Alonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie had expressed their wish to build a summer idyll in the city after numerous visits and thought of the Magdalena peninsula as “a wonder”.1 Local politicians agreed to the construction as they saw an opportunity to promote Santander through the presence of the Royals, who stayed in the city until 1930.

By Turol Jones, un artista de cojones from Villanueva del Cascajal, República Independiente de Mi Casa – 02042006 114121 ZGZ 0989, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
  • Palacio de La Aljafería, Zaragoza

The birthplace of Elizabeth of Aragon is undoubtedly one of the most impressive royal buildings in Spain. Built in the second half of the 11th century as a leisure retreat, Palacio de La Aljafería is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and filled with royal history. For centuries, it served as residence to a number of Christian Kings of the Kingdom of Aragon and was declared a national monument in 1931.2 Characteristic features like Moorish style arches, majestic towers, and lush courtyards create a magical atmosphere and a visit to the palace guarantees an enriching experience for any history-loving traveller.

  1. http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/20120907/local/santander/historia-palacio-magdalena-flores-201209072325.html
  2. http://www.patrimonioculturaldearagon.es/bienes-culturales/palacio-de-la-aljaferia






About Moniek Bloks 2681 Articles
My name is Moniek and I am from the Netherlands. I began this website in 2013 because I wanted to share these women's amazing stories.

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