El Capricho Park

The Parque de El Capricho, located in the Alameda de Osuna neighborhood in Madrid, is one of the most fascinating and least known gardens in the Spanish capital. This historic park, which covers 14 hectares, is an extraordinary example of a romantic garden and offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The history of Parque de El Capricho begins in 1783, when the Duchess of Osuna, María Josefa Pimentel, one of the most influential and cultured women of her time, decided to create a garden that reflected her refined taste and love for art and nature. The name “El Capricho” (the whim) reflects the duchess’s desire to have a space dedicated to pleasure and contemplation, free from the rigid social conventions of the time. To realize this dream, the duchess commissioned some of the best architects and landscapers of her time, including Jean-Baptiste Mulot, who had worked on the gardens of Versailles. The result was a park that combines French, English, and Italian elements, creating a series of diverse scenarios that invite discovery and wonder. One of the most fascinating aspects of the park is its variety of styles and settings. Walking along its paths, you can encounter classical temples, exotic pavilions, ornate fountains, and tranquil ponds. Every corner of the park offers a new surprise, reflecting the duchess’s eclecticism and artistic taste. Among the most notable structures is the Palacio de Bailén, a small summer residence used by the Osuna family, distinguished by its neoclassical elegance. Another point of interest is the hedge maze, one of the few remaining examples of this type of structure in Spain. This maze offers a fun diversion for visitors and pays homage to Italian Renaissance gardens. Not far from the maze is the “Casa de la Vieja,” a picturesque rustic cottage that looks like something out of a fairy tale, with its thatched roof and ivy-covered walls. The English garden, with its rolling lawns and majestic trees, offers a refreshing contrast to the formal geometry of the maze. This landscaping style, which prioritizes naturalness and spontaneity, invites visitors to relax and enjoy the park’s natural beauty. During the Spanish War of Independence, the park witnessed dramatic events. French troops camped here and the park suffered significant damage. Subsequently, during the 19th and 20th centuries, the park fell into a period of decline and abandonment, until the City of Madrid purchased it in 1974 and initiated a comprehensive restoration program to bring it back to its former glory. Today, the Parque de El Capricho is a historic and artistic monument that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Spanish history and culture. The park also houses an underground bunker from the Spanish Civil War, known as “Posición Jaca,” which can be visited on special occasions, offering an additional historical dimension to the site.