Parque del Capricho

Overview

Parque del Capricho is one of Madrid's most magical and least-known gardens—a sprawling 18th-century aristocratic pleasure ground open only on weekends and holidays, hidden in the northeastern suburbs.

Highlights

• El Capricho Palace: An elegant 18th-century palace forming the visual centrepiece of the gardens, surrounded by ornamental lakes and follies.
• The Labyrinth: A multi-path laurel hedge maze from the original 18th-century design, still perfectly maintained.
• Civil War Bunker: A hidden underground bunker built during the Civil War, occasionally opened for guided tours.

History

Commissioned in 1784 by María Josefa de la Soledad Alonso-Pimentel, Duchess of Osuna, who hired the finest gardeners from France and Italy to create her private paradise. The park combines formal French parterre, English landscape, and Italian giardino styles. During the Civil War, General Miaja used the estate as Republican army headquarters, hiding a command bunker beneath the gardens.

Visitor Tips

• Weekends Only: Open only Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. Arrive early—the park has a strict visitor capacity limit.
• No Bikes or Pets: Only pedestrians are allowed inside.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.