Palacio de Peredo

Palacio de Peredo rises on a hillside in Viveda, a village within the municipality of Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Spain, overlooking the Besaya valley. Locally nicknamed "palacio del chon de oro," this 17th-century mountain mansion is one of the most imposing noble residences in the region.

Who built it, and why does it matter?

The palace was commissioned by Jorge de Peredo, governor of Ponferrada, together with his wife María de Velarde y Polanco. Raised in the late Renaissance mountain style typical of Cantabria, it received further additions during the 18th century. Its historical weight was formally recognized on 26 February 1982, when it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural), Spain's highest heritage protection category.

What will you see on a visit?

The south-facing main façade spans two storeys. On the ground floor, four arches resting on pilasters open onto a spacious entrance hall — the building's most recognizable feature. Three additional two-storey wings close off a square inner courtyard, a layout common to Cantabrian manor houses of the period. A stone wall roughly five metres high encircles the whole property, incorporating a medieval gateway crowned with a carved coat of arms belonging to the Peredo family. The heraldic shield and thick perimeter wall give the mansion a fortified, almost castle-like presence, even though it never served a military purpose.

How do you get to Palacio de Peredo?

Viveda sits a short drive from the historic centre of Santillana del Mar, one of Cantabria's most visited towns and the gateway to the Altamira cave. Arriving by car is the most practical option: the palace stands on high ground along the road linking Santillana del Mar with the Besaya valley, and its elevated position doubles as a natural viewpoint over the surrounding countryside. Its coordinates, 43.38094, -4.05488, make it easy to locate with GPS.

When should you visit, and can you go inside?

Since 2003 the palace has belonged to the Santillana del Mar town council, which restored it through a local workshop school (escuela taller) and now uses it as a venue for cultural events. That means the interior opens only occasionally, tied to exhibitions, concerts, or municipal gatherings, rather than functioning as a permanently open museum. The exterior, however, can be admired year-round, and afternoon light works best for photographing the south-facing façade. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons to explore the area, avoiding summer heat and the low mists that sometimes settle over the Besaya valley in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Palacio de Peredo located? In Viveda, a village belonging to the municipality of Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, on a hill overlooking the Besaya valley.

Who built the palace? Jorge de Peredo, governor of Ponferrada, and his wife María de Velarde y Polanco, in the 17th century, with additional wings built in the 18th century.

Can visitors go inside? The building belongs to the municipality and is used for cultural events, so interior access depends on the current schedule of activities set by the Santillana del Mar town hall.

Why is it nicknamed "chon de oro"? The name is a local, folk expression tied to the coat of arms above the entrance gate; its exact origin comes from regional oral tradition rather than documented history.