Parque de El Capricho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parque de El Capricho |
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The lake in the park
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| Location | Madrid |
| Area | 14 |
| Established | 1787 |
| Public transit access | El Capricho |
The Parque de El Capricho is a beautiful park located in Madrid, Spain. Its name, El Capricho, means "the whim" or "the folly" in Spanish. A "folly" in this case refers to a building built just for decoration or fun. This special park was started in 1787 by a powerful lady named María Josefa Pimentel, Duchess of Osuna (1752-1834). She created it on her large estate, which was outside the city of Madrid at the time. The park mixes different styles, like formal gardens and more natural-looking areas. Many people think it is one of Madrid's most beautiful parks.
The park's design was inspired by English gardens, which often include natural landscapes. You will find interesting "eye-catchers" here, like a small house built to look like a hermit's home. Other cool features in the park include a peaceful lake and a fun maze to explore.
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Exploring the Park's Buildings
The park has several buildings that date back to the time of the Duchess. The largest and most important one is the ducal palacio, which was the palace where the Dukes of Osuna lived.
The Duchess continued to improve the gardens throughout her life. One of the last additions she made was an iron bridge, built in 1830. This bridge, made for people to walk across, is believed to be the first iron bridge ever built in Spain.
A Glimpse into History: The Civil War Bunker
The park also holds a secret from the Spanish Civil War period. There is a bunker, which is an underground shelter, known as posición Jaca. This bunker was used during the war for protection.
Protecting the Park's Beauty
The Parque de El Capricho is very special. It has been officially recognized as a jardín histórico, which means "historic garden." This title helps protect its unique design and features for future generations to enjoy.
Visiting El Capricho Park
The park is located within the suburbs of Madrid. It is easy to reach by public transport, including buses and the metro (line 5). The park is usually open to the public on weekends, so you can plan a visit to explore its beauty.
In 2016, there was a plan to open the old palace inside the park as a museum. This would allow even more people to learn about the park's history and the Duchess who created it.
See also
In Spanish: Parque de El Capricho para niños
