Santander is set to enhance its cultural and tourist offerings with the introduction of four mixed-reality experiences at the Palacio de la Magdalena, starting from 21 November. Mayor Gema Igual announced this initiative, which aims to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the palace's architecture, history, and its connection to the city.
This project is part of the efforts by the Tourism and Innovation Departments to leverage new technologies in tourism management and to offer innovative ways to enjoy heritage. It falls under the Smart Destinations Platform initiative, developed by the Secretary of State for Tourism, funded by the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, known as Next Generation.
“We want visitors to the palace to better understand how it was built, who participated in its history, what its rooms were like in different eras, and how its function has evolved into the space we know today,” said Mayor Igual.
The mixed-reality technology allows for the incorporation of images, 3D recreations, sounds, and interactive elements into the visitors' surroundings. Participants will wear glasses that enable them to view various rooms of the palace while scenes and historical content related to each area appear before them.
One notable aspect of this initiative is its group format, allowing up to nine people to participate simultaneously in each session. This setup combines historical explanations with individual exploration of virtual elements, ensuring that all participants follow a shared narrative while discovering content from their own perspectives.
Importantly, this technological enhancement is compatible with the preservation of the palace, as all elements of the experiences are digital and visually overlay the existing space without making physical alterations or interfering with its regular use. A static viewing option will also be available for individuals with reduced mobility or specific needs, enabling them to participate alongside the group.
The experiences have been designed in Spanish, English, and French, making them accessible to a diverse range of visitors. Each of the four experiences focuses on the history of the Palacio de la Magdalena and its relationship with Santander.
The four experiences
- ‘The Genesis of the Palace: The heartbeat of the oak and the light of memory’ - Set in the Hall Real, this experience explores the origins of the building and its architectural elements, including details about the chestnut and oak staircase and references to artworks linked to the palace.
- ‘The Echo of Splendour: From court dances to free speech’ - Located in the Ballroom, this experience delves into the social life of the early 20th century, highlighting the music and gatherings hosted by the royal family during summer.
- ‘The Table of Time: Where history sits facing the Cantábrico’ - Taking place in the Gala Dining Room, this experience offers an interactive timeline of historical events, referencing the imperial table, diplomatic meetings, and the palace's transformation from a royal residence to a municipal heritage site.
- ‘Seeds and Wind: Santander from a bird's eye view’ - Conducted on the south terrace, weather permitting, this experience invites participants to explore the landscape and learn about nature, botany, the winds of the Cantábrico, and the materials used in the building's construction.
At the end of the tour, participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback and record their own voices through an interactive panel, known as the Living Honour Book, which will incorporate visitors' impressions into a contemporary archive of the palace.
“With these four experiences, we expand the possibilities of discovering the Magdalena and offer an activity that can spark the interest of those who have already visited the building and want to explore other aspects of its history,” Mayor Igual emphasised.
The mayor has invited the residents of Santander to discover these new experiences and to explore the Palacio de la Magdalena from a fresh perspective.
