Madrid most romantic park El Jardin del Capricho

When planning your journey to Madrid, you’ve doubtless marked the Retiro Park and the Royal Palace, however let me introduce you to the town’s true hidden gem: El Jardín del Capricho (The Caprice Backyard).

Created within the late 18th century by the Duchess of Osuna—one in every of Spain’s most enlightened and cultured figures—this backyard is a shocking instance of the English Romantic type, designed to shock and delight the customer at each flip. It’s an immersive, cinematic expertise that feels one million miles from the bustle of Gran Vía.

Why You Should Go to El Capricho

This backyard stands aside as a result of it doesn’t observe inflexible, symmetrical patterns. As a substitute, you’ll wander via a panorama of winding paths, streams, and architectural follies:

The Labyrinth: A basic backyard function that begs to be explored.The Beehive Home (Casa de la Abeja): A captivating miniature construction devoted to nature.The Temple of Bacchus: An attractive classical temple overlooking a small lake.The Bunker: Beneath the picturesque park lies one of many best-preserved bunkers from the Spanish Civil Conflict—a really fascinating and stark historic distinction to the wonder above.

Essential Traveler Tip: Opening Hours & Entry

As a result of El Capricho is a protected historic treasure, entry is strictly restricted. That is a very powerful factor to know earlier than you go!

Days Open: Solely on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. It’s closed each weekday.Hours (Seasonal):April 1 to September 30: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PMOctober 1 to March 31: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PMCapacity: Entry is proscribed to 1,000 individuals at a time. It’s extremely really helpful to reach near the opening time on good days to make sure entry.Location & Metro: The park is situated within the Alameda de Osuna neighborhood. Take Metro Line 5 (L5) on to the El Capricho station.

Unlock the Secrets and techniques: The Guided Visits

Whereas merely wandering the paths is pleasant, the easiest way to grasp the park’s historical past—particularly the Civil Conflict components—is thru a guided tour.

The Bunker Tour: Entry to the historic bunker is usually restricted and is commonly solely accessible by way of the free guided excursions provided via the Madrid Metropolis Council’s official packages (reminiscent of Pasea Madrid or Hábitat Madrid).Methods to Guide: These excursions are often free however require advance reserving via the official Madrid Metropolis Council web site (search for the “Itinerario guiado por el jardín El Capricho” part). Reservations usually open a number of weeks prematurely and refill rapidly!

The place to Eat & Discover Close by

Since El Capricho is a bit farther from the middle, you’ll need to plan your day across the native space.

The Submit-Go to Lunch: Only a brief stroll from the park entrance is Restaurante Rincón del Capricho (Calle Jardines de Aranjuez, 1). This can be a nice native spot identified for conventional Spanish dishes, excellent for a relaxed weekend lunch after your go to. They provide basic chipirones (fried squid) and different wonderful tapas favorites.Close by Inexperienced House: Should you want extra outside time after the backyard closes, the neighboring Parque Juan Carlos I is a large, fashionable park providing bike leases, a synthetic lake, and enormous open areas (in distinction to the romantic intimacy of El Capricho).Aviation Curiosity: Because of the proximity to the airport, the realm can be very near the IFEMA Conference Middle (if there’s a good or occasion occurring) and provides an excellent gateway to the town if you’re arriving or departing from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).

El Capricho is a really big day journey that guarantees historical past, magnificence, and a second of real serenity. Simply bear in mind these opening hours, and plan to reach early!