Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria, Santander

The Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria is an emblematic theatre in the city of Santander, in Cantabria. The building is located in front of the bay of Santander and its extensive facilities and technical infrastructure also allow the celebration of congresses, meetings and conventions of any kind. With a multidisciplinary vocation, this cultural center offers a continuous artistic program throughout the year, attracting relevant personalities of the scene, both national and international.

The predominant materials used in the building are marble and copper. Its main entrance is inspired by Greek theatres and its interior stands out for its successful acoustics.

The Palacio de Festivales has become an architectural and cultural symbol of 20th century Santander. Since 1952 the Plaza Porticada was used to host the Santander International Festival, but it was a temporary measure. It was not until 1990 when the Palacio de Festivales, designed by the Navarrese architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza, was completed and since then it has hosted the International Festival every summer, which until then had been held in the Plaza Porticada. In addition, throughout the year, all kinds of artistic performances are held in the Palacio de Festivales, as well as educational and pedagogical activities.