The sunflower motif covering the exterior facade was chosen by the owner, who was a passionate botanist.
The tower was originally intended to function as an organ pipe system that would play music when the wind blew.
This was one of the first buildings in Spain to use electric lighting, which was an experimental novelty at the time.
The house features a unique 'greenhouse' or winter garden that acts as a thermal buffer for the rest of the villa.
Gaudí designed the house when he was only 31 years old, working under the influence of Mudéjar architecture.
The structure avoids the use of traditional Gothic elements in favor of geometric, repeating patterns.
The iron window shutters were designed to be musical, producing specific sounds when opened or closed.
El Capricho de Gaudí, also known as Villa Quijano, is one of the few works Antoni Gaudí designed outside of Catalonia. Commissioned by Máximo Díaz de Quijano in 1883, the building reflects Gaudí's early 'Orientalist' period, characterized by the extensive use of ceramic sunflower tiles. The structure is built with a mix of brick, stone, and iron, featuring a prominent cylindrical tower resembling a Persian minaret. The interior layout was designed to follow the movement of the sun, with living areas placed to maximize daylight. The house served as a summer residence before being converted into a museum and cultural site. It is recognized for its integration of nature-inspired motifs, such as sunflowers and musical instruments, into its facade. The site remains a protected historical monument in the Cantabrian town of Comillas.
From the garden path looking up at the Persian-style minaret tower.
Book your entry pass online in advance to guarantee access, as capacity is strictly limited.
Allow time to walk through the surrounding gardens to see the building from multiple angles.
Check the official website for guided tour availability, which provide deeper architectural context.
Do not attempt to touch the original ceramic tiles or historical woodwork inside the rooms.
Open daily throughout the year, but may have reduced hours or closures during major public holidays in Spain.
