Imagine a place where the rugged beauty of the Cantabrian coast merges with unparalleled architectural grandeur, where the echoes of a rich past are still tangible in every cobblestone street. Welcome to Comillas, a town in northern Spain that takes you on a journey through Neo-Gothic dreams, modernist influences, and breathtaking vistas. Comillas is no ordinary destination; it is an open-air museum, a place where every corner tells a story and where the sea is always close by.
Architectural Masterpieces and Historic Grandeur
Your journey of discovery through Comillas begins with a dive into the opulent architecture that so characterizes the town. An absolute eye-catcher is the Palace of Sobrellano, the realized dream of the first Marquis of Comillas. This palace, designed by Joan Martorell, is a symphony of Neo-Gothic splendor, with towering spires and influences that even inspired Gaudí. The grandeur of an era of opulence is palpable here.
Directly next to the palace is the Chapel Mausoleum of the Marquises of Comillas, a jewel of art and architecture. This early work by Gaudí's mentor, Joan Martorell, features contributions from Gaudí himself and sculptures by Josep Llimona. The marble statues and serene atmosphere make this a place of deep contemplation.
Further into town, you'll encounter the Fuente de Tres Caños, the 'Fountain of Three Spouts'. This is a masterpiece of modernist art, also with influences from Gaudí and sculptures by Llimona. Once a vital water source for the town, it remains a beautiful centerpiece. Nearby, you'll find the enchanting Gate of the Birds, also known as the Gate of the Moro, a spectacular entrance with Moorish influences and colorful ceramic birds.
The grandeur of the Spanish nobility is also visible in the Casa del Duque de Almodóvar del Río. This stately mansion, with its elegant architecture and rich details, is a tangible reminder of Comillas' golden age.
Wandering Through the Historic Heart
The Conjunto histórico de Comillas forms the heart of the town. Here you wander through cobblestone streets, surrounded by traditional Cantabrian houses and stately mansions. Each building tells a story, and the unique wooden balconies are characteristic of this region. The former Town Hall of Comillas, with its clock tower, watches over the square and is a living monument to Comillas' administrative heart.
Amidst all this history, the Güell y Martos Park offers a green oasis of tranquility. This park, named after important figures in the history of Comillas, is the perfect place to escape the sun and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Breathtaking Coastlines and Panoramic Views
Comillas is inextricably linked to the Cantabrian Sea, and the town offers various viewpoints that embrace the grandeur of nature. From one of the viewpoints, you can take a deep breath and let your gaze wander over the rolling green hills to the azure sea. It is a moment of pure tranquility.
The Mirador de Comillas unfolds the town in all its glory, with the sea as a shimmering carpet on the horizon. Here you see the architectural masterpieces of the town, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the coastline.
From the Mirador de Santa Lucía, the coastline stretches majestically before you, a timeless witness to the history of Comillas. Here you feel the wind of the Cantabrian Sea and see the contours of the town merge with nature.
Finally, at the rugged Mirador Punta de la Moría, you feel the true power of the Cantabrian coast. The waves crash against the cliffs and the sea breeze blows through your hair. From this point, you have a unique perspective on Comillas, with the town stretching along the bay, a refreshing contrast to the elegance of the town.
This article offers just a glimpse of the many wonders Comillas has to offer. The complete walk through this fascinating town reveals even more hidden details, architectural surprises, and breathtaking views. For a complete and immersive experience, I invite you to choose the Comillas walk in the 'CityWalkGems' app.
- 12 stops
- Start anywhere
- ~4,0 km route length
- ~744 m longest stretch
- about 1,5–2 h duration
- Free
