El Capricho de Gaudí Comillas
A whimsical early masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, featuring vibrant sunflowers and a unique Persian-style minaret.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
El Capricho de Gaudí Comillas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A whimsical early masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, featuring vibrant sunflowers and a unique Persian-style minaret.
"Absolutely stunning, a jewel of modernist architecture and a must-see Gaudí work outside Catalonia."
⏳ Book Timed Entry
Secure your spot by booking timed entry tickets online in advance to avoid waiting. :ticket:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Gardens
Leash your dog and explore the beautiful gardens; they're allowed but not inside the house. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sunflower Facade
Exterior
Marvel at the vibrant ceramic sunflowers adorning the facade, a signature touch of Gaudí's early genius.
The Music Room
Interior
Discover the 'music box' room, known for its unique acoustics and intricate decorative details.
Persian-Style Minaret
Exterior
Admire the striking minaret, a distinctive element inspired by Persian architecture, adding an exotic flair.
Gaudí's Early Masterpiece
Throughout
Explore one of Gaudí's first significant works, showcasing his evolving architectural style and creativity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Pet-Friendly Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Book Timed Entry
Secure your spot by booking timed entry tickets online in advance to avoid waiting. :ticket:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Gardens
Leash your dog and explore the beautiful gardens; they're allowed but not inside the house.
📱 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the free online interactive audioguide for insightful details. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Explore Comillas
While waiting for your entry slot, wander through the charming town of Comillas. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Book Timed Entry
Secure your spot by booking timed entry tickets online in advance to avoid waiting. :ticket:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Gardens
Leash your dog and explore the beautiful gardens; they're allowed but not inside the house.
📱 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the free online interactive audioguide for insightful details. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Explore Comillas
While waiting for your entry slot, wander through the charming town of Comillas. :walking:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise El Capricho de Gaudí for its stunning and unique architecture, calling it a 'jewel' and a 'masterpiece.' The vibrant colors, intricate details, and the historical significance as an early Gaudí work are major highlights. The free audioguide and the option to bring pets into the gardens are also frequently mentioned positives. Some visitors note the timed entry system can lead to waiting periods, and accessibility for wheelchairs is limited.
"Having cycled into the town to visit the house we were disappointed to have to buy tickets for entry later in the day! Eventually once our time arrived the walk around this house was very rewarding and interesting. An app enabled access to a description of each room but I think given the popularity and diversity of people visiting the app could have been more interactive!"
David Wadkin MBE
"If you are interested in architecture you will enjoy this place. If you are interested in Gaudí, you will enjoy this place. If you are not interested in architecture or Gaudí, you will still probably have a great time here.
The free online interactive audioguide, accessible from your phone, makes the experience very instructive and worth the price of admission on top of the obvious beauty of the place.
They have access slots, so be ready to wait or go for a walk in the village while you wait for yours."
Frankie GVA
"Absolutely stunning,
I do not regret at all taking the guided tour, it was so worth it, the guide explained it so well that I thought I was watching a history movie about Gaudi!! I would even recommend ppl to come to Comillas to see this 💯"
Cecilia Jung in Yoo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Santander, you can take a bus to Comillas, which is a common route for visitors. Alternatively, driving offers more flexibility, with parking available near the attraction. +1
Yes, buses frequently run from major cities like Santander to Comillas, making it accessible via public transport.
Driving is a convenient option, offering direct access and parking. Public buses are also a viable choice for reaching Comillas.
While not directly at the entrance, there are parking areas available in the vicinity of Comillas, requiring a short walk to the attraction.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from cities like Santander and is often combined with visits to nearby towns like Santillana del Mar.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around 7 euros, with discounts available for students, children, and seniors over 65.
It is highly recommended to book timed entry tickets online in advance to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot.
The attraction is generally open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, but hours can vary, especially during winter months. It's best to check their official website.
Yes, discounts are offered for students, children, and individuals over 65 years old.
While tickets can sometimes be purchased at the entrance, booking online in advance is strongly advised due to timed entry slots and popularity.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the house and gardens, allowing you to capture the unique architecture and details.
The sunflower facade, the Persian-style minaret, and the intricate interior details offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check specific regulations.
Commercial photography or filming may require special permits. For personal use, it's usually permitted.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors and textures of the building.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A typical visit lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing time to explore the house and gardens.
Yes, a free online interactive audioguide is available via your phone, making the visit very informative.
Unfortunately, due to its historical nature and stairs, it is not fully accessible for wheelchairs.
Guided tours are offered and highly recommended by visitors for their in-depth historical context and engaging delivery.
There is a small cafe and a souvenir shop available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe on-site offering refreshments.
Comillas offers various restaurants and cafes serving local Cantabrian cuisine, perfect for a meal after your visit.
Picnicking is generally not permitted inside the attraction itself, but you can enjoy food in designated areas or nearby parks.
Many restaurants in Comillas offer vegetarian options, and with advance notice, vegan meals can often be accommodated.
Cantabrian cuisine is known for its fresh seafood, hearty stews, and delicious dairy products like cheese.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The site offers an engaging video at the entrance that explains the history and design in an accessible way for younger visitors. While the house itself has stairs and isn't fully wheelchair accessible, the gardens provide ample space for kids to explore. Plus, the pet-friendly policy for gardens means you can bring your family dog along, making it a great outing for everyone.
🐶 Pet Owners
While pets cannot enter the interior of the house, the garden access provides a great opportunity for owners to take turns exploring the building while the other supervises the dog. 🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 The intricate details, from the sunflower facade to the 'music box' room, offer a deep dive into his evolving style. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Gaudí's Architectural Journey
+1The design is characterized by its vibrant ceramic tiles, intricate ironwork, and whimsical decorative elements. Notably, the building features a striking Persian-style minaret and facades adorned with ceramic sunflowers, earning it nicknames like 'the sunflower house.' This playful yet sophisticated design reflects Quijano's passion for nature and music, with the building's acoustics even earning it the moniker 'the music box.'
+1Visiting El Capricho offers a unique opportunity to witness the foundational stages of Gaudí's architectural evolution. It stands as a testament to his innovative spirit and his ability to integrate diverse styles into a cohesive and enchanting whole, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and fans of Gaudí's work.
Exploring Comillas and its Surroundings
Beyond Comillas, the region of Cantabria is rich with attractions. Nearby Santillana del Mar, often called 'the town of three lies' (it's not saintly, flat, or by the sea), is a beautifully preserved medieval village that feels like stepping back in time.
Combining a visit to El Capricho with exploration of Comillas and its surroundings makes for a well-rounded experience of Cantabria's cultural and natural beauty. The proximity to other notable sites makes it an ideal stop on a northern Spain road trip.
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