Everyone knows Gaudì and if you happen to travel to Barcelona, this famous architecture is nothing but a proud symbol of the city. Nevertheless, even though his most famous masterpieces are located in the Catalonian capital, some seems to be hidden away. And it was then, during my random trip to North of Spain, that I discovered about El Capricho.
El Capricho designed by Antoni Gaudì and built back at the end of the 19th century, was meant to be the summer residence for Máximo Díaz de Quijano. Interestingly enough, this work is located in Comillas, a small town in one of Spain’s northernmost regions called Cantabria.
Not only for architecture-lovers
Very often, it is common mistake to consider this kind of “architecture” destinations to be solely for this into all that. What a huge mistake that is. I’m definitely not an architecture-lover, but visiting this place was definitely worth it.
If you haven’t seen any work from Gaudì before, the simplest way to describe them would be… unconventional. From the worldwide known Casa Battló in Barcelona to this little house up in the North, the style of Gaudì is unique in its own way. Sometimes it may seem weird, other times wobbly, strange, beautiful and much much more. It’s so hard to describe!
This time, the design of El Capricho represents Gaudì’s more orientalist period similar to the Güell Pavilions in Barcelona. Some say that the main tower resemble a minaret, which you’d usually find outside a mosque.
Beautiful carved designs and patterns
How to get here
By Bus – The cheapest way to get here is by taking a bus from Torrelavega, a bigger town further inland. From here you can find buses straight to Comillas run by ALSA more or less every 3 hours starting at 9am. The trip only costs 3.50€ and it takes a little under an hour for the bus to get there.
By Car – If you’re travelling by car, the easier way to get to El Capricho is follow direction for Comillas. Once in town, you can leave the care in one of the several free parking spots right on the other side of the road from El Capricho. From Torrelavega to Comillas by car it takes around 30min.
The inside attic in the roof
Entrance Fees & Guided Visits
The park is open from 10.30am to 8pm all week long but in certain special dates (e.g. Christmas or New Year’s Eve) the park might remain closed.
Currently the entrance fee is 5€ for adults, kids from 7 to 14 years old pay 2.50€ and kids younger than 7 enter for free. For more information about Timings, Prices and Opening Times at the official website.
Usually people visit the house by their own but free guided tours are available at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. Other timings can also be arranged by needs to be booked in advance.
If you like it, pin it!
PLANNING A TRIP TO SPAIN? CHECK MORE POSTS BELOW!
[pt_view id=”c8b81980qm”]