Parque Güell y Martos

Parque Güell y Martos is a green hillside park in the upper part of Comillas, the Cantabrian seaside town famous for its Catalan modernist landmarks. Perched above the town centre, it works both as a memorial garden and as an everyday recreation spot for locals.

Where does the park's name come from?

The official name honours Juan Alfonso Güell y Martos, the 4th Marquess of Comillas — a plaque naming him was only added at the entrance in 1970, during a renovation that also brought in a children's play area. In practice, though, locals rarely use that formal name. Around town it is simply known as "parque de la Estatua" (Park of the Statue), after the large monument standing on the hill at its centre, dedicated to Antonio López y López, the 1st Marquess of Comillas, an industrialist and patron who died in 1883.

How was the park built, and who designed it?

Following the marquess's death, the town wanted a lasting way to honour a man who had shaped Comillas' development. A friend of the marquess donated the plot needed for the monument, a piece of land known as the Prado de Ángel Bernardo Pérez, and it was on this same ground that the wider park later took shape around the statue. The design follows the principles of Catalan modernisme and is credited to architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, one of the movement's leading figures, with construction overseen by engineer Cristóbal Cascante. The monument itself was unveiled in 1890, a date generally taken as the starting point of the park in its recognisable form.

What will you find inside?

Today the park covers roughly three hectares, smaller than its original footprint: part of the northern slope was separated off for summer villas, and a section of the eastern plot was later absorbed into a neighbouring property. Despite these changes, the layout of paths, planting and architectural details still reflects the modernist style seen elsewhere in Comillas, at landmarks such as the El Capricho villa or the nearby palace. The statue on its hilltop remains the focal point, with views opening up over the town below. Alongside this formal core sits a more relaxed recreational area with a children's playground, added during a 1970s renovation.

How do you get there?

The park sits in the higher part of Comillas, within an easy walk of the town centre and its best-known sights — the El Capricho villa, the marquesses' palace and the pontifical university. Walking up from the town square is the simplest approach; there is no dedicated car park right at the entrance, so it makes sense to leave a car in the centre and continue on foot. Entry is free, with none of the fixed opening hours you'd find at a ticketed attraction.

When is the best time to visit?

Because it is an open green space rather than an indoor site with set visiting hours, the park works well year-round. In summer, when Comillas fills up with visitors, it tends to stay quieter than the main monuments, making it a good spot to rest between sightseeing stops. Its elevated position also makes it a pleasant place to pause for the view, particularly in the late afternoon light.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, Parque Güell y Martos is a public town park and entry is free.

Why is it sometimes called the "Güell park"? The name refers to the Comillas marquess family, specifically Juan Alfonso Güell y Martos, the 4th Marquess, whose name was formally given to the park in 1970 — even though the site had already existed since 1890 around the monument to the 1st Marquess.

Who is the statue in the middle of the park dedicated to? It honours Antonio López y López, the 1st Marquess of Comillas, unveiled in 1890 as a tribute from the town to his contribution to its development.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, a 1970s renovation added a recreational area with a playground, which sits alongside the older, more formal part of the park.