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Santander has always been a rival of San
Sebastián in the east, but it has never attained the premier
status of that Basque resort. It did, however, become a
royal residence from 1913 to 1930, after city officials
presented an English-style Magdalena Palace to Alfonso XIII
and his queen, Victoria Eugenia.
An ancient city, Santander was damaged by a 1941 fire, which
destroyed the old quarter and most of its dwellings. It was
rebuilt along original lines, with wide boulevards, a
waterfront promenade, sidewalk cafes, shops, restaurants,
etc. |
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