Palacio de los Duques de Osuna

Palacio de los Duques de Osuna is an 18th-century palace standing at the heart of El Capricho park on the eastern edge of Madrid, in the Alameda de Osuna district. It's the only Romantic-style garden preserved in the Spanish capital, and one of the city's most beautiful yet least visited corners.

Where does the palace come from?

The estate and its grounds were purchased in 1783 by the Dukes of Osuna. The driving force behind the project was María Josefa Pimentel Téllez-Girón, ninth Duchess of Osuna, born in Madrid in 1752 and one of the most influential patrons of the arts in late 18th-century Spain. She envisioned a gathering place for Enlightenment thinkers and a stage for lavish court celebrations modeled on Marie Antoinette's Versailles. Construction and landscaping continued in stages from 1783 through 1839.

Who spent time here?

The Duchess's circle drew some of the leading cultural figures of the era. Francisco Goya was among her guests and produced several works for the family, including a series of prints on witchcraft themes. Playwright Leandro Fernández de Moratín also frequented the estate. This intellectual and artistic atmosphere set the palace apart from typical aristocratic residences of the period.

What survived the civil war?

During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), the grounds were seized by the general staff of the Defense Front of Madrid, who built the extensive underground bunker still standing today — now open to the public on guided tours. After the war the property passed through a succession of private owners until Madrid City Council acquired it in 1974 and began restoring it. In 1985 the park was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural).

What can you see on site?

The 17-hectare park holds, alongside the palace itself, a boxwood labyrinth, a small lake, a bandstand, garden temples, chapels and fountains, and a fort with a dance hall renovated in 2026. The palace building is currently undergoing major restoration and is scheduled to reopen as a cultural venue in the first half of 2027 — its interior is closed until then, though the surrounding park is open to visitors now.

How do you get there?

The easiest route is by metro: El Capricho station on Line 5 sits right at the park entrance. Bus lines 101, 105, and 151 also serve the area, and cyclists can use the BiciMAD docking station at Paseo de la Alameda de Osuna 48.

When should you go?

The park opens only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. From October to March hours run 9am–6:30pm, and from April to September 9am–9pm. Admission is free, though capacity is capped at 1,000 visitors at a time. Arriving early is worth it, especially on sunny weekends when the daily limit can fill up quickly.

What are the rules?

Animals, bicycles, and skates aren't allowed inside the park, and both ball games and eating are prohibited. Visitors curious about the site's wartime history can join a free 30-minute guided tour of the bunker (groups capped at 20 people, weekends only) — advance booking through the official heritage reservations website is required.

Frequently asked questions

Is the palace open to visitors? Not currently — it's undergoing restoration and is due to reopen as a museum space in the first half of 2027. The surrounding park, however, is open now.

How much does it cost to enter the park? Admission is completely free, though only 1,000 people are allowed inside at once.

Can you tour the Civil War bunker? Yes. Free 30-minute guided tours run on weekends for groups of up to 20 people, and advance online booking is required.

What's the fastest way to reach the park? Take metro Line 5 to El Capricho station, which sits right at the park's entrance.