The bullring of Santander, also known as the bullring of the four roads is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bullrings in Spain. Its design, dimensions and importance make it one of the main bullfighting monuments to visit and attend bullfighting shows. In this page we are going to talk about the bullring, its history and peculiarities.
Information about the bullring
Origins of the square
The bullring of the four roads was built by the architect Alfredo de la Escalera and inaugurated on July 25, 1890 with a bullfight in which participated the bullfighters José Sánchez del Campo “Cara-Ancha” and Luis Mazantini, with bulls of Conde de Patilla.
The reason for its construction was the great popularity of bullfighting at that time, turning the square into a center of meeting, spectacle and artistic expression.
Architecture and design
Design and architecture
The Santander bullring was built with a base of masonry, iron, brick and wood next to a bullring of 51 meters in diameter. At the same time, it has 3 floors in which are distributed the stands, the bleachers and finally the stands in the last of the 3 floors of the bullfighting monument.
On the other hand, one can appreciate on the intercolumniations of the third floor some ironwork and currency of neo-Mudejar style that decorates the upper areas of the square.
Capacity of the plaza
The plaza has a capacity for approximately 11,700 spectators, which are distributed among its 7 seating areas for both sun and shade. Most of them are distributed in the seats of the arena and the rest in the bleachers and the terraces of the plaza.
Other spaces
In addition to its main structure, the Plaza de Toros de los cuatro caminos has a series of architectural elements that add aesthetic and functional value to the enclosure. These include the plaza’s infirmary, bullpens, bullfighting ring and other modern elements such as street vending areas during the bullfights or the plaza’s ticket offices.
Legendary bullfights
In 1913 the famous monster bullfight was held, which had a great repercussion at a national level. During this bullfighting spectacle, a total of three bullfights were held.
The first bullfight took place in the morning with Benjumea bulls for the bullfighters Vicente Pastor, Cocherito de Bilbao and Torquito. The second bullfight took place after midday with bulls from Parladé, for Machaquito and Joselito. Finally, Ricardo Bamba and El Gallo fought cornúpetas from Marqués de Saltillo.
Years later, in 1990, another monster bullfight was held to commemorate the plaza’s centennial.
The square at present
Although in the past the bullring only hosted bullfighting events, today you can attend all kinds of events. The square has been converted into a multipurpose space where bullfighting fans and the general public can attend to enjoy the best shows in the city.
Concerts
The arena of the plaza becomes a stage where some of the most famous singers in the country perform. Some of the singers who have recently performed concerts in the square include: Pastora soler, los Mórcanos….
Bullfighting
As a general rule, they are held in spring because the better weather and temperature improve the conditions for bullfighting. The Santiago bullfighting fair is held in July and is attended by some of the most famous bullfighters in the world.