El Capricho de Gaudí
El Capricho
An early work by Gaudí, with its exterior covered in sunflower-patterned tiles and a tower resembling a minaret. It is one of only three of his buildings outside Catalonia.
El Capricho was built between 1883 and 1885 as a summer villa designed by Máximo Díaz de Quijano, a relative by marriage of the Marquis. The red brick walls are decorated with bands of green sunflower tiles. The entrance tower is tall and slender, with a wrought-iron balcony. Inside, the windows have counterweights that make sound, reflecting the owner's love of music and plants. It is now a privately run museum. Tickets cost about EUR 7, and a visit takes about 40 minutes. Parts of the building close for maintenance for some time in January and February.
Opening hours
About 10:00–19:30 (shorter in winter; check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Palacio de Sobrellano
- Comillas
- San Vicente de la Barquera
- El Soplao Cave
- Museum of Altamira
- Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana
- Santillana del Mar
- Bárcena Mayor