Madrid hides many secrets that only the most traditional Madrilenians know. Do you want to discover one of them? This week from Hotel Quatro Puerta del Sol we tell you about one of them: one of its most special and unknown parks, El Capricho Park in Madrid.
This beautiful garden is open on weekends and holidays, so there are few occasions when you can enjoy everything that Madrid's El Capricho Park has to offer.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Located in the Barajas district, it is one of the most beautiful parks in the capital. Built between 1787 and 1839 for the Dukes of Osuna, its main promoter was the Duchess María Josefa de la Soledad Alonso Pimentel. The Duchess of Pimentel was a very important figure in Madrid society, since in addition to building this park she was a protector of artists, bullfighters and intellectuals. The Duchess, she created an authentic natural paradise that was frequented by the most illustrious personalities of the time, where artists, gardeners and set designers of the most prestigious society of the time walked, inspired and chatted for hours.
El Capricho Park in Madrid was in deterioration since the death of the Duchess and until the 1980s, when the Madrid City Council bought it. This very special place has an important botanical, sculptural and artistic wealth. Do you dare to discover it?
HERITAGE OF EL CAPRICHO PARK IN MADRID
If you get lost in this wonderful park, you will come across pavilions, hermitages, fountains, small squares and the Palace of the Dukes, which will soon host (after completing the restoration works) an interactive space, with 3D projections, conference rooms and permanent exhibitions, where it is intended to recover the figure of the duchess.
At the moment we will have to wait to visit this space, but in the meantime you can sign up for one of the visits organized by Paseo Madrid in the park's bunker. The refuge of General Miaja, also known as the underground fortification or bunker of the Historical Garden of El Capricho Park in Madrid, was an anti-aircraft shelter belonging to the Republican side during the Civil War.
Located 15 metres below ground, this refuge has seven rectangular rooms, four exits to the exterior park and an escape gallery to the street that crosses the basement of the Palace of the Dukes of Osuna. If you are going to visit the park, do not miss the opportunity to visit this important enclave for the history of the country.
After discovering the rich heritage of Madrid's El Capricho Park and losing yourself in its French, English and Italian-inspired gardens, less than twenty minutes by car or by public transport you will find Hotel Quatro Puerta del Sol.
Book your room in Madrid’s centre and take advantage of your Madrid getaway to discover one of the city's best secrets: El Capricho Park in Madrid.