Palace of Liria

The Palacio de Liria, located in the heart of Madrid, is one of the most important and majestic private residences in the city, as well as a symbol of Spain’s rich history and culture. Built between 1767 and 1785 commissioned by Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Colón, III Duke of Berwick and Liria, the palace was initially designed by the French architect Guilbert, but later completed by the illustrious Spanish architect Ventura Rodríguez, who introduced important corrections and completed the structure in a distinctive neoclassical style. The Palacio de Liria has undergone numerous significant historical events, including the disasters of the Spanish Civil War, during which it was severely damaged. In 1936, the palace was bombed and set on fire, losing much of its interiors and art collections. Fortunately, thanks to the intervention of the Junta para la Incautación y Protección del Patrimonio Artístico and other institutions such as the British Embassy and the Prado Museum, many artworks were saved and subsequently returned to the palace.After the war, the 17th Duke of Alba, Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart, decided to rebuild the palace, entrusting the project to the English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, known for his work in the United Kingdom and for designing the city of New Delhi. Although Lutyens died before the completion of the works, his designs were carried out by the Spanish architect Manuel Cabanyes. The reconstruction lasted from 1948 to 1956, restoring the Palacio de Liria to its former glory.The palace is currently the residence of the 19th Duke of Alba, Don Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, and headquarters of the Fundación Casa de Alba. It houses one of the most important private art collections in the world, with works by artists such as Pietro Perugino, Titian, El Greco, Goya, Murillo, Rembrandt, and many others. The collection also includes engravings by Dürer, Mantegna, and Van Dyck, as well as sculptures ranging from the Roman era to the neoclassical period.The Palacio de Liria is known not only for its architecture and art collections, but also for its beautifully landscaped gardens. The front gardens, originally a parade ground, have been transformed into an English romantic garden with centuries-old magnolias, cedars, chestnut trees, and cypresses. The rear gardens, redesigned in 1916 by the French landscaper Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, feature classical flowerbeds, a central fountain, and groves adorned with ancient and modern sculptures.A visit to the Palacio de Liria offers an immersive experience in the history and art of the Alba family. During the tour, visitors can explore the 14 main rooms of the palace, admire the masterpieces of the collection, and discover unique historical documents, including the first edition of “Don Quixote” and manuscripts of Christopher Columbus.