Private visit to the House of the Dukes of Almodovar in Comillas

Explore the Private visit to the House of the Dukes of Almodovar in Comillas, a distinctive experience in Cantabria that reveals a well-preserved mansion from the 19th century. This tour, lasting between 1 and 3 hours, offers a rare chance to step inside a family-owned home that has retained its original decoration and furniture. Perfect for those interested in history, architecture, or authentic private visits, the tour provides an intimate look at a unique architectural masterpiece inspired by English rustic style.

The tour starts at Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, where a private official guide welcomes visitors. The guided exploration focuses on the mansion’s main rooms, including the hall, living room, dining room, and a breathtaking modernist staircase made of Guinea-colony wood. Visitors appreciate how the mansion remains owner-occupied during August, emphasizing its authenticity as a living family home. Optional add-ons include a guided tour of Comillas’ main squares and a visit to Gaudí’s Capricho, a striking modernist building renowned for ceramic decoration and lush vegetation.

Though the tour includes entrance to the house and an expert heritage guide, it does not cover transportation, food, or gratuities. The meeting point is easily accessible, located next to the monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with flexible starting times based on availability. The experience is private, ensuring a tailored visit with Spanish or English guides, making it ideal for those seeking a personalized cultural outing.

Key Points

• Exclusive private tour of the House of the Dukes of Almodovar in Comillas.
• Built in 1896, inspired by English rustic architecture with original furniture and decoration.
• The mansion remains owned by the original family, who live there during August.
• The visit includes main rooms such as the hall, living room, and modernist staircase.
• Optional guided tour of Comillas’ squares and Gaudí’s Capricho can be added.
• Duration ranges from 1 to 3 hours, with flexible start times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The House of the Dukes of Almodovar: A 19th Century Treasure in Comillas

The House of the Dukes of Almodovar, also known as the Palace of Prado de San José, stands out as Comillas’ most notable private mansion. Built in 1896 for Juan Manuel Sánchez y Gutiérrez de Castro, the mansion reflects the English rustic style, a design inspired by the architecture popular during that period. The construction took four years, overseen by architect D Francisco Hernández Rubio, and features a combination of stone, brick, and wood, creating a charming, stately appearance.

What makes this tour exceptional is that it is a true family home, still owned by the descendants of the original builders. During August, the owners reside in the mansion, offering a rare glimpse of authentic, lived-in decor. The interior is fully decorated with original furniture, giving visitors a genuine sense of the 19th-century style. The main floor reveals several rooms, including the gallery, living room, and the dining area, all filled with authentic objects that remain unchanged over the decades.

Exploring the Main Rooms: Decoration, Furniture, and Atmosphere

When visiting the main floor rooms, visitors appreciate the meticulous preservation of the mansion’s original decoration and furniture. The guide leads through the hall, living room, and dining room, each offering a glimpse into family life during the mansion’s prime. The highlight is the modernist staircase, crafted from Guinea-colony wood, which showcases craftsmanship and aesthetic detail from the period.

Along With the architecture, the original objects and decorative elements contribute to the mansion’s authentic ambiance. The interior design reflects the taste and lifestyle of the mansion’s owners, making it a living museum rather than a typical tourist attraction. Visitors value how the furniture and objects help tell the story of 19th-century aristocratic life in Comillas.

Architecture and Design Features of the Mansion

The architecture of the mansion draws inspiration from English rustic styles, evident in its stone, wood, and brick elements. The use of natural materials and rustic details give the mansion a warm and inviting appearance. The modernist staircase adds a striking focal point, showcasing craftsmanship and design innovation from the early 20th century.

The mansion’s design reflects the rise of Comillas during the reign of King Alfonso XII, attracting wealthy families like the Sánchez y Gutiérrez de Castro. The architectural style combines rustic charm with elegant details, making it a notable example of regional architecture adapted to luxury and comfort.

The Optional Tour of Comillas’ Main Squares and Streets

After touring the mansion, visitors can opt to explore the main squares and streets of Comillas, renowned for Modernist art. The Plaza de los 3 Caños and Plaza del Antiguo Ayuntamiento showcase beautiful architecture and historic ambiance. Walking through these areas reveals local life and cultural heritage, often featuring cafés and boutiques.

Additional attractions include the Palacio de Sobrellano and the Chapel-Pantheon, both exemplifying regional architectural styles. A guided walk through these locations complements the mansion visit by contextualizing Comillas’ historical importance and architectural richness.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Gaudí’s Capricho: A Modernist Masterpiece

For those wanting a fuller modernist experience, the optional visit to Gaudí’s Capricho offers a chance to see one of Antoni Gaudí’s early works. Designed for Indiano Máximo Díaz de Quijano, the building is famous for its ceramic ornaments, distinctive minaret, and lush gardens. This site provides a contrast to the more traditional mansion, highlighting Gaudí’s unique style and innovative use of materials.

The Capricho is a short drive or walk from the mansion, and the tour allows visitors to appreciate Gaudí’s early genius and design influences. Its striking appearance and vegetation make it a popular highlight for architecture enthusiasts.

Meeting, Pacing, and Accessibility Details

The meeting point for the tour is conveniently located next to the monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Comillas. The tour operates on flexible start times based on availability and lasts between 1 and 3 hours, depending on options chosen and pace. The group is private, ensuring a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable guide.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes due to the walking involved inside the mansion and around the town. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 or people with mobility impairments, due to the interior architecture and walking distances.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Extras

Booking the tour is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later. This allows travelers to secure a spot without immediate payment, offering peace of mind with full refund available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes entrance to the mansion and an expert heritage guide, ensuring an informative and smooth visit.

Note that transportation, food, and gratuities are not included, giving travelers flexibility to plan accordingly. The private group setting ensures an intimate experience that can be tailored to interests and pace.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This private visit to the House of the Dukes of Almodovar offers a rare look at a preserved aristocratic mansion, providing insight into 19th-century architecture, decoration, and family life. It is particularly suitable for history buffs, architecture lovers, or visitors seeking a personalized private experience.

The optional extensions to explore Comillas’ squares and Gaudí’s Capricho add further cultural depth. However, the limited accessibility and duration might not appeal to those seeking more active or inclusive options. Overall, it’s an engaging, authentic journey into Cantabria’s architectural heritage that appeals to those valuing private, detailed tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is flexible, lasting between 1 and 3 hours depending on chosen options and pace.

What is included in the price?
The entrance to the house and a private official guide are included. Optional guided tour of Comillas’ squares and Gaudí’s Capricho can be added.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Comillas, with the guide ready next to the monument.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years or those with mobility impairments.

Can I visit Gaudí’s Capricho during this tour?
Yes, visiting Gaudí’s Capricho is an optional addition that can be requested at booking.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve ahead of time, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are advised due to interior and exterior walking involved.

Are there any hidden costs?
Transportation, food, and gratuities are not included and should be arranged separately if desired.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby