Palacio de Liria
Located in the heart of Madrid, the Liria Palace is not only a living testimony to Spanish history and culture but also an architectural gem that houses one of the world’s most important private art collections. This magnificent palace, built between 1767 and 1785 by the third Duke of Berwick and Liria, Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Colón, represents a milestone in Neoclassical architecture, with both French and local influences that significantly differentiate it from other royal residences of the time.
Throughout its history, the Liria Palace has been the setting for numerous important social events, hosting personalities such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Oscar Wilde, and even members of royalty like the Spanish royal family and the former queen Victoria Eugenia de Battenberg. This palace has not only witnessed lively gatherings and cultural encounters but has also overcome adversities, such as the devastating fires of 1936 during the Spanish Civil War, which left the palace in ruins, miraculously saving its invaluable art collection thanks to the intervention of institutions like the British Embassy and the Prado Museum.
The subsequent reconstruction under the supervision of the 17th Duke of Alba and his consort, following the original plans of the English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, allowed its splendor to be restored. Today, the palace is the residence of the 19th Duke of Alba and houses the Casa de Alba Foundation, demonstrating a continuous commitment to the preservation and dissemination of culture.
Among the treasures it holds, more than 18,000 prints and manuscripts stand out, including the first edition of Don Quixote and the largest collection of handwritten manuscripts by Christopher Columbus. Moreover, the palace has recently inaugurated a space for Contemporary Art exhibitions in the old stables, reaffirming its role as a dynamic and accessible cultural center.
The Liria Palace offers guided tours that allow exploring its main rooms and closely admiring the richness of its art collection. These visits are a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history of one of Spain’s most distinguished families, in a setting that combines architectural beauty, top-level art, and an unparalleled historical legacy.
