The Palacio del Prado de San José, which is its original name, was commissioned in 1896 by Juan Manuel Sánchez y Gutiérrez de Castro, Duke of Almodóvar del Río, a native of Jerez de la Frontera, who was drawn to Comillas by its rise to prominence following the arrival of King Alfonso XII. The construction work took 4 years, and the building was designed by the architect Francisco Hernández Rubio.

The building is inspired by English rustic architecture, constructed from stone, brick, and wood. During the guided tour, you will discover the rooms on the main floor, including the hall, the living room, and the dining room, among others, as well as a magnificent Modernist-style staircase made from wood sourced from Fernando Poo's colony in Guinea.

Thanks to its appeal and charm, this mansion, which still features its original furniture, objects, and décor, has served as a location for film productions such as At Sunset (1967), The Valdemar Legacy (2010), and The Forbidden Shadow (2011).

After your visit to the mansion, you can choose to combine it with a tour of the main squares and streets of Comillas, the greatest showcase of Modernist art in Cantabria, exploring places such as Plaza de los 3 Caños, Plaza del Antiguo Ayuntamiento, the Sobrellano Palace, and the Chapel-Pantheon, among others.

And if you'd like a comprehensive tour, you can also visit the famous Capricho de Gaudí, an Art Nouveau building designed by the renowned architect at the request of the wealthy emigrant Máximo Díaz de Quijano, which is notable for its ceramic decoration, its striking minaret, and the prominent role played by greenery and music.