“Just the remains,” someone sighs. Indeed. All that’s left of the Pabellón de Esteras is its empedrado floor. Let me tell you a tale of what once stood here at the Pabellón de Esteras.
Imagine a light structure. Perhaps it was made of woven mats. Mástiles held it aloft. Now, only the stone floor remains. The floor hints at where those mástiles once stood proudly. This was once a charming feature within the Parque del Capricho.
The Parque del Capricho itself is special. The Duchess of Osuna ordered its construction between 1787 and 1839. She sought a retreat. A place of recreation. Sadly, she died before it was fully complete in 1834.
The park spans 14 hectares. It represents the quintas de recreo. These estates once surrounded Madrid. They were popular from the late 18th century through the 19th century. The Pabellón de Esteras was one of many delights within.
The ninth Duke of Osuna, Don Pedro, bought land in 1783. He acquired it from the Count of Priego. The land included a farmhouse and gardens. The Duke expanded the property. He planted the alameda trees. These trees gave the estate its name. Construction of the palace began in 1787.
The architect Jean-Baptiste Mulot designed the gardens. He came from the French court. The gardens reflect English, French, and Italian influences. These styles were popular at the time of construction. This park is Madrid’s only Romanticism garden.
The Pabellón de Esteras sits near the lake. The lake offered boating. A small pier waited nearby. It was called Casa de Cañas. The Casa de Cañas featured mirrors and frescoes. The Pabellón de Esteras sat on a cobbled area close by.
The park saw use during the French invasion. General Agustín Belliard used it for troops. After the French retreat, the Duchess renovated.
The Bauer family bought the park in 1882. The Republic declared it a Historic Garden. During the Civil War, General Miaja used the palace. It served as the Republican Army’s headquarters.
The Ayuntamiento de Madrid purchased the park in 1974. Restoration began in 1986. It continues in some ways today. Many Madrid residents still don’t know about this gem.
Within the Parque del Capricho are many wonders. There is a palace. A Temple. A Swan Pond. Plus, the Saturn Wheel and an Obelisk. The park includes the Bee House and the Tench Pond. You can find the ruins of the Artillerist’s House and a Battery. A playground and a river add to the charm. The park also has a lake. An Iron Bridge crosses the water. An island features a monument to the third Duke of Osuna. There’s the Casa de Cañas. Of course, the remains of the Pabellón de Esteras mark a special spot. The park also boasts a pier kiosk. A roller coaster once thrilled visitors. A Flower Garden delights the senses. The Old Woman’s House offers a whimsical touch. A Bullring and Parterre add to the variety. Columns of the opposed, Duelists, stand guard. Greenhouses thrive here. Bridges cross the stream. The Exedra and Plaza of the Emperors impress. Ponds and fountains add to the beauty. A grotto by the Frog Fountain intrigues. A labyrinth challenges visitors. A Cows’ House exists, as well as a new pond. A plaza of plane trees provides shade. A hermitage offers reflection. Duck ponds and bunkers offer more to explore. Powder magazines and public restrooms complete the scene.
Although only the floor remains, imagine the Pabellón de Esteras in its prime. Envision the Duchess enjoying the shade here. Picture the laughter and conversations that once filled this space. Though time has passed, its story remains.