PRESENTATION OUTLINE
POPULATION
As of 2004, Santander has a population of 183,800. The number has remained fairly steady since 1981
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
As a service centre at the regional level, Santander contains important public institutions and private organisations with a large number of employees.
Activities related to culture, leisure and tourism are an important part of the city's economy.
HISTORY
In the Roman Empire, the city was known as Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium. Its present name is possibly derived from Saint Andrew (Sanct Ander) or Saint Emeterio (Santemter, Santenter, Santander).
In the early 20th century Santander became the favoured summer residence of King Alfonso XIII, who built the Palacio de la Magdalena as the residence of the royal family during the holidays. The city gained great popularity from this and from the 19th century enthusiasm for sea bathing, and it remains popular with the Spanish for beach holidays today.
CULTURE
Santander has a great tradition and cultural activity, with events that play an important role in cultural and social ylife of the city.
CITY STRUCTURE
Old town: Cathedral of Santander, one of the oldest buildings of the city, Plaza Porticada is surrounded by several public buildings, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where is located the City Hall noted for its façade and upper clock, market of hope, a modernist building on the remains of an old Franciscan conventMuseum of fine arts and Library House Museum of Menéndez Pelayo.
Newer parts: el Sardinero, Parque de la vaguada de Las Llamas
Outskirts: La Virgen del Mar
