The park contains a bunker used by the Republican Army as the headquarters of the 'Ejército del Centro' during the Spanish Civil War.
The labyrinthine hedge maze was designed in the 18th century as a centerpiece of aristocratic garden entertainment.
The water supply for the park’s lake and canal system is fed by natural springs originating on the site.
The Duchess of Osuna hosted Enlightenment intellectuals, including painters like Goya, within the garden's structures.
The park features a 'Temple of Bacchus' and a 'Hermitage' that were constructed specifically for the visual enjoyment of the Duchess's guests.
It is one of the oldest green spaces in Madrid, dating back to the reign of Charles III.
El Capricho is one of Madrid’s few surviving Romantic-style gardens, commissioned in 1784 by the Duchess of Osuna. The 14-hectare park features a dense collection of architectural caprices, including temples, hermitages, and a bunker from the Spanish Civil War. A central lake connects to a canal system that traverses the park grounds. The landscape design incorporates three distinct styles: French parterre, English landscape, and Italian Giardino. It remains a rare example of 18th-century noble parkland preserved within the city limits. The grounds house a neoclassical palace and a labyrinthine hedge maze.
The small bridge crossing the central lake with the palace in the background.
Visit the bunker area, but note that it requires a guided reservation which must be arranged in advance.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park features gravel paths and uneven natural terrain.
Bring a water bottle, as the park is large and amenities are limited to the perimeter.
Do not attempt to walk on the grass, as the park strictly enforces stay-on-path rules to maintain the landscape.
Open only on weekends and public holidays.
Picnicking, ball games, bicycles, and pets are strictly prohibited to protect the historic site.
