Puntos de Interés
Municipality
El Astillero
Located at the foot of the imposing Peña Cabarga, just 20 metres above sea level and seven and a half kilometres from Santander, El Astillero is a town in the municipality of the same name, which also includes the villages of Guarnizo and Boo. Surrounded by the Solía, Boo and Astillero estuaries, which flow into the bay of Santander, this strategic location combines an exceptional natural environment with a rich historical heritage.
The confluence of estuaries and coastline gives rise to extensive ecologically important wetlands like the Marismas Blancas and Marismas Negras. The Marismas Blancas Municipal Nature Reserve is home to a freshwater lagoon, reed beds, shrubs and flood meadows. The Marismas Negras, reclaimed after ancient landfills, are a refuge for up to 70 species of birds. Also noteworthy is the Morero Park, located between El Astillero and Villaescusa, which covers both sides of the Solía estuary and includes the Isla de Morero, an area of great ecological and scenic value.
The origins of El Astillero date back to the Lower Palaeolithic, as evidenced by nearby sites, including that of the Morín man, which is almost 30,000 years old. Celts and Romans settled in the area, attracted by the iron mines of Peña Cabarga. In the Middle Ages, the population congregated around the sanctuary of Muslera, giving rise to Guarnizo, which was the main centre until the foundation of the Council of Astillero in 1800.
The development of the municipality is closely linked to the Royal Shipyards, established in 1581 by order of Philip II to build nine galleons, considered the first ocean-going warships. The Solía and Guarnizo estuaries offered ideal conditions for the construction and mooring of military ships, an activity that continued until 1871, when the shipyards moved to Ferrol. In the 19th century, the depth of the bay and the proximity of the mines led to the creation of ore loading bays and a mining railway network, consolidating the town's industrial vocation. In the 21st century, the economy has diversified to achieve more stable growth.
The cultural heritage of El Astillero is highlighted by the Church of San José, a neo-Romanesque temple with a neo-Mudejar roof and a double bell tower, built in 1947 on top of an original building from 1720.
As for the town's festivities, it is worth mentioning those of San José, patron saint of the municipality, celebrated during the month of March with various activities that culminate in a colourful parade of floats that attracts a large number of people. 15 August sees the Santa María de Muslera festivals, with activities organised throughout the month, such as the traditional traineras regattas, a spectacle that reflects the town's connection with the sea. The last week of August see the Jornadas de Folclore de España folklore festival, bringing together folk groups from all over the country to celebrate cultural diversity. The San Tiburcio Festivities are also held in late August and early September, with popular traditional games in the Market Square.