El Capricho de Gaudí is a summer villa in Comillas, in Cantabria, designed by Antoni Gaudí between 1883 and 1885. It is one of the few buildings he made outside Catalonia. The façade is covered in sunflower-patterned ceramic tiles, and a lookout tower rises above the house. It was built for Máximo Díaz de Quijano, a wealthy businessman who loved music, and the details follow his tastes. The rooms are small and the gardens around the villa are calm. Allow one to two hours, and use the free audio guide on your phone.
A summer villa for a music lover
El Capricho was designed by Antoni Gaudí between 1883 and 1885, when he was still a young architect. It is one of his first major projects and one of the few he built outside Catalonia. In Comillas it stands far from the circle of Catalan Modernisme in which he is usually placed.
The client was Máximo Díaz de Quijano, a wealthy businessman with connections to the Marquis of Comillas. He wanted a summer retreat, and he was an avid music lover. The house is closely tied to his interests, which is a large part of why it feels so personal. In 1969 it was declared a historic-artistic monument.
Sunflowers, iron columns and a tower
The first thing to notice outside is the ceramic. Sunflower tiles run across the façades, and they also help explain the layout of the building. Colour is used boldly, and the walls carry more ceramic decoration along the portico, which has large columns.
The style draws on Neo-Mudejar forms, which show Gaudí's interest in Arabic architectural traditions. Some visitors describe the result as Arabesque. Cast iron columns and a tower used as a lookout point give the villa the vertical silhouette that anticipates his later work. The gardens around the house are quiet and suit a slow walk before or after you go in.
Inside the house
The villa is small, and that shapes the visit. When a guided tour is in the same room or nearby, you can hear the guide, and for many people that, together with the audio guide, is enough. The stairs to the highest floor are very narrow.
In the basement, the Gauditeca is a space with workshops and games for children. Outside, a bench lets you sit next to Gaudí for a photo. The sunflower motifs and colours tend to hold the attention of younger visitors.
Tickets and getting there
General entry costs €7. Children under 7 enter free, and children from 7 to 12 pay €3. Tickets are for time slots, and booking ahead is recommended, above all in the summer months. If you arrive early for your slot, ask at the entrance whether the time can be changed.
Guided tours are available, but you do not need one. The free audio guide opens on your phone through a QR code given at the entrance. The entrance, restroom and parking area are wheelchair accessible, but the narrow stairs to the top floor are not. Because there is no parking at the villa, plan to walk from the town.
FAQ
How much does it cost to enter El Capricho de Gaudí?
General entry costs €7. Children under 7 enter free, and children from 7 to 12 pay €3.
How long do you need at El Capricho?
One to two hours is enough for the house, the gardens and the audio guide.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially in July and August. In quieter months a ticket on the day may be possible, though entry is by time slot.
Is there parking at El Capricho de Gaudí?
No. Park in a public or paid space in Comillas and walk to the villa. Secure bicycle parking is available if you come by bike.
Is El Capricho suitable for children?
Yes. The sunflower tiles and colours appeal to children, there are discounted tickets, and the basement Gauditeca has workshops and games.
