Overview

The Dique de Gamazo (Gamazo Jetty) is a veritable feat of marine engineering right in the center of Santander. Near the Puerto Chico (Small Port) it is surrounded by interesting buildings, including the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria Cultural Center, the Centro de Alto Rendimiento de Vela (a sailing center) and the Escuela Superior de la Marina Civil (a sailing school). The jetty was constructed on land reclaimed from the sea and took more than 20 years to build. It was finally inaugurated in 1908. Its overall dimensions are stunning: some 180 meters long, 15 meters wide and 8 meters deep. Formerly, when the Puerto Chico was the main port for fishermen, boats were brought here for maintenance work and repairs. Reminiscent of the equally impressive San Martín shipyards, the jetty stands as a monument to industrial endeavor.