Torre de Don Borja

The Tower of Don Borja is a medieval tower-house located in the historic center of Santillana del Mar, in Cantabria, integrated in the old market square and very close to other noble buildings of the town. It is a heritage resource of civilian character, not a church or a castle, linked to the lineage of the Barreda and the mountain stately architecture. The current construction dates from the 15th century and presents a mixture of medieval tower and baroque mansion, with a later extension and organization around an inner courtyard of the 16th century. Its main volume is completed with another body separated by that courtyard, an unusual feature in this type of buildings and highlighted in the heritage descriptions consulted. Among its most recognizable elements are the square floor plan, the three stories, the linteled openings and the heraldic coats of arms of the Barreda family on the façade. The sources consulted also indicate that it was linked to different noble families and that it was later used for residential and cultural purposes, which explains its conservation and rehabilitation as a place to visit. It currently functions as a cultural center with exhibitions and guided tours, and is part of the historical-artistic heritage of Santillana del Mar, declared a historic-artistic site in 1943.