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Location and surroundings
Foundation activities take place in the town of Comillas
Comillas is, without a doubt, one of the most delightful and popular places in Cantabria. It possesses a magnificent architectural ensemble, set in an extraordinary natural landscape. It enjoys a privileged position between the Cantabrian Sea - endowing Comillas with a beautiful beach -and the spectacular Picos de Europa mountain range.
During the Middle Ages Comillas had a small population that lived off its small fishing port and its agricultural and livestock farming. After several historical changes, power soon fell into the hands of the Duke of Infantado, a descendent of the Marquises of Santillana. With his approval and help, the people of Comillas could become independent from the port of San Vicente de la Barquera, a nearby town in which all goods arriving to and leaving from Comillas had to be loaded and unloaded.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the history of the town took an important turn, thanks to the distinguished don Antonio López López. After returning from Cuba a wealthy man, he founded large companies mainly in Barcelona, the Philippines and Cuba. He also started to make substantial investments in Comillas. In gratitude for his help during the Cuban conflict, the king bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Comillas.
As a wealthy emigrant returning from Cuba, this historical character settled in Barcelona where he married a rich Catalan heiress. He started to introduce important pre-Modernist artists to his home town of Comillas. These artists completely transformed the town by introducing various neo-Medieval styles: their curious architecture is a great example of neo-Gothic, neo-Arab and neo-Mudejar styles. This incredible ensemble stands out for its exceptional beauty.
Between 1881 and 1882 the Marquis invited King Alfonso XII and his family to spend the summer in Comillas, and four houses were fitted out for members of the court. As a result, the town became much more popular and prosperous as a large number of noblemen and wealthy people settled in the area.
The Marquis set in motion building on the Sobrellano estate. Work began on the chapel-mausoleum and later on, the palace, both of which were finished after his death.
The Marquis of Comillas founded the Pontifical University, although the project was taken over by the second Marquis of Comillas, his son Claudio. Thanks to the great fortune amassed by the Marquises, the building was paid for so that the Jesuits could teach poor children. Later, don Claudio gave the Seminary property to Pope León XIII, who bestowed upon it the Pontifical title. By the end of the nineteenth century, Comillas, along with Santander, had become one of the most prestigious summer resorts in Cantabria.
Nowadays, tourists are still attracted to Comillas for its beaches which make it one of the most beautiful Cantabrian coastal towns.
For further information about Comillas, visit the following Web page: www.comillas.es
