Flora, art and legends: why get lost in Madrid's Capricho Garden?

More than two centuries ago there was a lady capable of bringing together the most prominent figures of the day for elegant parties. It was she, the Duchess of Osuna, who ordered the construction, back in 1784, of an enormous romantic garden in which to stroll and party with her illustrious friends.

Today, the Historic Garden of El Capricho still conserves 14 hectares of vegetation, fountains, sculptures and lakes, and is the only Romantic garden in the city of Madrid. Between French, Italian and English styles, this refreshing green space contains a bunker (which was an air-raid shelter during the Civil War), a palace, a square with 12 busts of Caesars, a labyrinth and a lake with majestic black swans. But, if there is one place that everyone wants to visit in the Jardín del Capricho, it is the so-called Casa de la Vieja, where it is said that the Duchess used to organise exclusive parties and séances. To visit this curious garden steeped in history, you’ll have to wait until the weekend, as it is only open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Where: Paseo Alameda de Osuna, 25.