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The Palacio de Liria – collections of the House of Alba

Introduction

The Palacio de Liria is an exceptional private urban palace constructed in the 18th century. It was second in size only to 🔗 the Royal Palace, so it was often called its “younger brother”. The Palacio boasts nearly 200 rooms across 3,500 square meter area. Since the early 19th century, it has served as the official residence of one of Spain’s oldest noble families, the House of Alba. Notably, the palace houses their priceless art collection and historical archives.

This aristocratic lineage wielded influence across military, political, and social spheres, but it is particularly renowned for its cultural patronage and art collection. The original Palacio Liria was tragically destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in November 1936. However, meticulous efforts by the 17th Duke of Alba and its completion by the 18th Duchess of Alba ensured that the reconstructed palace retained the original details and wealth. Fortunately, most of the invaluable artworks were safely evacuated from the palace before the war and were securely housed in museums, the Bank of Spain, and the British Embassy.

The name of the palace comes from the small town of Liria in Valencia, Spain. The place, where the long-awaited and sole heir of James Francis Edward Fitz-James Stuart y Ventura Colón de Portugal, the 3rd Duke of Berwick, was born in 1752. Today, the palace is the residence of the 19th Duke of Alba, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, and serves as the headquarters of the Casa de Alba Foundation. For over 500 years, the Alba family demonstrated extraordinary determination to preserve their collection, regardless of costs and effort. What we have the privilege of viewing today is the result of these endeavors—a remarkable art collection amassed by European aristocrats.

Visit

The tour of the palace begins with a stunning staircase adorned with grand portraits of the family’s ancestors and Roman statues. Among these treasures, the most precious is a Venus statue dating back to the 1st century CE. As we continue our journey, we explore rooms adorned with an abundance of priceless paintings, stylish furniture, vases, and tapestries. Don’t forget to look up and admire the unique porcelain chandeliers. Notably, the collection includes two recovered portraits by Rubens, which are copies of earlier works by Titian that were lost from the Palacio Liria during the Napoleonic Wars. The palace also houses an impressive array of artworks by masters such as Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, El Greco, Rubens, Titian, and Brueghel the Elder.

Throughout the palace, you’ll encounter photographs of the family and distinguished guests who once graced its halls, including figures like Arthur Rubinstein, Winston Churchill, and Theodore Roosevelt. However, one exhibit demands your attention: an extraordinary 16th-century wooden sculpture depicting the 3rd Duke of Alba piercing three major enemies of Spain in the form of a hydra. The hydra’s heads represent Queen Elizabeth I of England, the Elector of Saxony, and Pope Paul IV.

The tour concludes to the ground-floor library, where more unique exhibit awaits. The largest collection of Christopher Columbus manuscripts, including drawings of the coast of Hispaniola, the first island he reached during his voyage to the Americas. These manuscripts were inherited by the Alba family after a descendant of the explorer married into their lineage.

Finally, we also encourage you to explore this beautiful place by taking an on-line 🌐 virtual walk.

Planner

Metro: Ventura Rodríguez ​L3, Arguelles L3, L4, L6, Plaza de España L3, L10.

The Palacio de Liria offers only guided tours that provide a sensory experience beyond the typical cultural visit. Visitors can explore the palace during the specified time slot indicated on their ticket. The visit lasts 65 minutes.

Tickets: available at the entrance or 🌐 on-line free tickets: Mondays at 9:15 AM and 9:45 AM (reservations can be made the preceding Monday from 12:00 PM), Children up to 6, discounted Admission: Children above 6, Students up to 25, Seniors 65+, Large Families (EU)

🎫 Tickets online & ⏰ Open Hours
Liria Palace
🔒 Closed Temporarily
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