Museo de la Naturaleza de Cantabria

Museo de la Naturaleza de Cantabria sits in Carrejo, a small village 1.5 kilometers from Cabezón de la Sal, in the interior of Cantabria, Spain. The institution is dedicated to the region's flora and fauna and occupies a historic 18th-century manor house, which is a draw on its own.

Where exactly is the museum located?

The address is Plaza Pedro Ygareda s/n, Carrejo (39592 Cabezón de la Sal). The site lies in the Saja-Nansa valley, a short drive inland from the Cantabrian coast, making it an easy stop for travelers exploring western Cantabria between Santander, Comillas, and Santillana del Mar.

What building houses the museum?

The museum operates out of the Casona de Carrejo, an imposing stone manor built in the 18th century. Since December 1984 the building has been listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Heritage Asset) by the regional government of Cantabria. It originally belonged to the Ygareda and Barreda-Cos family, whose descendants founded the Ygareda Foundation with the goal of converting the family residence into a cultural center open to residents and visitors alike.

How did the museum come about?

Under an agreement with the Cantabria regional government, ownership of the building passed to the region, and the manor was renovated in 1989. The museum opened to the public in 1990 and has functioned since as a public institution devoted to the region's natural heritage. The former chapel inside the casona was converted into a multipurpose hall, now used for temporary exhibitions, conferences, and audiovisual presentations about Cantabria's plants and wildlife.

What can visitors expect to see inside?

The permanent displays focus on the natural environment of Cantabria — its landscapes and the animal and plant species found across the region, from the Cantabrian Sea coastline to the ranges of the Cordillera Cantábrica. Because the former chapel doubles as a space for temporary shows, the museum's program changes over time, so checking the current schedule before a visit is worthwhile.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

Yes. The building provides wheelchair access and has an elevator, allowing every floor of the manor to be visited without architectural barriers — useful information for families with strollers and for older visitors.

How do you get there and plan a visit?

Cabezón de la Sal is a small town well connected by the N-634 national road linking Santander with Asturias, so arriving by car is the most straightforward option. It's worth combining a visit to the museum with a stop in Cabezón de la Sal itself or nearby Saja-Nansa valley attractions such as Comillas or Santillana del Mar, both under an hour away by car.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Museo de la Naturaleza de Cantabria located? In Carrejo, 1.5 km from Cabezón de la Sal, in western Cantabria, Spain.

What building does the museum occupy? The Casona de Carrejo, an 18th-century manor once owned by the Ygareda and Barreda-Cos family, recognized as a Cultural Heritage Asset since 1984.

When did the museum open? It opened in 1990, following a 1989 renovation carried out after an agreement with the Cantabria regional government.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Yes, it has ramps and an elevator that allow step-free access throughout the building.