All You Need to Know About Liria Palace

Why is Liria Palace Famous?

• Historical Site: The Liria Palace was built towards the end of the 18th century, making it over three centuries old. It holds tremendous historical value, showcasing Spain’s heritage and the importance of the Alba Family to the country’s rise.
  
• An Architectural Wonder: Designed by architects Louis Guilbert and Ventura Rodriguez, the Liria Palace is an example of neoclassical architecture. The palace has grand facades and opulent interior spaces.
  
• Home to Incredible Art Collections: Art has been a part of the Alba Family's lives. Every member collected art pieces that resonated with them, culminating in a marvellous art collection open to visitors. Francisco de Goya's portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Alba, Diego Velázquez's painting of Saint Anthony of Padua, and transformative works by Rubens, Titian, and Raphael are part of the collections.
  
• Houses a Massive Library: Visitors to the Liria Palace can also explore the library, containing over 20,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and first editions.
  
• Open to the Public: Once a private residence, the Liria Palace is open to the public. You can explore all areas of the palace, including the private bedrooms and galleries of the Albas.

History of Liria Palace In A Nutshell

1767 to 1785 - Renowned Spanish architect Ventura Rodríguez replaced Louis Guilbert as the chief architect of the Liria Palace. He created the neoclassical palace on the orders of the third Duke of Berwick and Liria, Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Colón.

1833 - A fire broke out in the palace, destroying some of its archives.

1936 - During the Spanish Civil War, Liria Palace was damaged by another fire, leaving only the outer walls standing. Fortunately, most of the art collections were rescued and safely added to the British Embassy, the Prado Museum and the Bank of Spain.

Post the Civil War - Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart, 17th Duke of Alba, and his daughter Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, 18th Duchess of Alba, commissioned the palace’s reconstruction. English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens was tasked with the restoration. However, he died before work could begin, with Manuel Cabanyes taking over as chief architect. He built on Lutyens’ original plans but added his touches to the main staircase, the chapel and the hall.

Present Day - Liria Palace is the home of the 19th Duke of Alba, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, and the headquarters of the Casa de Alba Foundation.