Antigua Universidad Pontificia

Comillas


Several Modernistas had a hand in this imposing neo-Gothic former seminary, looming over the west end of town. Domènech i Montaner contributed its medieval flavour. It’s now an international Spanish language and culture study centre, the Centro Universitario CIESE-Comillas. Thirty-minute visits to the elaborate interiors and patios are guided in Spanish (with leaflets in English available). Access to the grounds on foot is free.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Comillas attractions

1. Palacio de Sobrellano

0.33 MILES

With this marvellous 1888 building, the Marqués de Comillas’ summer palace, Modernista architect Joan Martorell truly managed to out-Gothic real Gothic…

2. Capilla-Panteón de Sobrellano

0.37 MILES

On a grassy hillside beside the Marqués de Comillas’ summer palace is the marquis’ family tomb, an intricate ‘mini-cathedral’ designed by Joan Martorell,…

3. Capricho de Gaudí

0.41 MILES

Antoni Gaudí left few reminders of his genius beyond Catalonia, but of them the 1885 Capricho is easily the most flamboyant. This brick building, one of…

4. Fuente de los Tres Caños

0.42 MILES

In the heart of town, this elaborate triple-tiered fountain and lamp post was created in 1899 by Modernista Lluís Domènech i Montaner and decorated with…

5. Cemetery

0.43 MILES

Comillas' cemetery, around the ruined medieval parish church, was remodelled by Catalan Modernista Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1893. It’s overlooked by a…

6. Iglesia de San Cristóbal

0.48 MILES

Comillas’ main church was constructed in the 17th century – the townspeople, offended, paid for it from their own pockets after the Duque de Infantado’s…

7. Playa Oyambre

1.5 MILES

The 2km-long, soft-blonde Playa Oyambre, 5km west of Comillas, is a sandy dream protected by the Parque Natural Oyambre. It has frequently surfable waves,…

8. Playas del Rosal & de Merón

3.85 MILES

Along the coast east of town, these two beautiful beaches are basically one broad, 4km-long golden strand. Merón gets surf, while El Rosal (the western…