El Capricho Park

El Capricho
The lake in the park
El Capricho Park is located in Madrid
El Capricho Park
El Capricho Park
El Capricho Park is located in Spain
El Capricho Park
El Capricho Park
LocationMadrid
Coordinates40°27′22″N 3°35′55″W / 40.4561°N 3.5987°W / 40.4561; -3.5987
Area14
Established1787
Public transit accessEl Capricho

El Capricho is a park in Madrid. The word capricho is Spanish for "whim" or "caprice". It was created by María Josefa Pimentel, Duchess of Osuna (1752-1834) on her estate at Alameda de Osuna, which was then outside the city of Madrid. It is landscaped in eighteenth-century style with formal and naturalistic features. It is recognised as one of the most beautiful parks in the city.[1]

The landscape design shows some English influence. Characteristically of continental gardens in the English style, there are a number of "eye-catchers" such as a hermit's house and a temple to Bacchus. Other features include a lake and a maze.[2]

  1. ^ "El Capricho, eligido..." 20 minutos (in Spanish). 2008.
  2. ^ "5 maravillosos laberintos".