If you ever go to Santander, this is a ‘must see’ museum. It’s one of the best museums that I’ve ever been to and the clever combination of mediums works perfectly to increase your understanding of early Cantabrian history. The collection shows you how Paleolithic cave art, tools and portable art were gradually refined and finessed to result in some exquisite pieces. One of my favourites (first photo) was of an ibex carved from bone and dated approximately 14 500 BC or earlier. The museum also led you through the eventual establishment of farming and Cantabrian hill fort communities, Roman conquest and early and medieval Christian periods. The second photo is of a huge stele possibly carved between 1 BC to 2 AD to commemorate a deceased noble. After spending five weeks travelling through medieval villages and towns connected to Christian pilgrimage, the museum was an important opportunity to set this period within the broader context and richness of early Spanish history. Cantabria alone has a wonderful  diversity of historic sites and art. Marvellous stuff and three hours well spent.