Liria Palace

The Liria Palace in Madrid is the largest privately used residence in the city and has served as the official seat of the House of the Dukes of Alba since the early 19th century. Designed in the Neoclassical style, the building was constructed beginning in 1767 and today contains more than two hundred rooms covering 3,500 square meters, along with extensive gardens. The palace's history is closely tied to the Spanish nobility and Europe's royal houses, since it passed to the family of the Dukes of Alba through inheritance. Equally remarkable is the building's fate during the Spanish Civil War, when it was largely destroyed by incendiary bombs in 1936. The cultural treasures were saved, however, because they had been moved out in advance, which allowed the palace to be rebuilt starting in 1948 under the direction of the 17th and 18th Duchesses of Alba.

For visitors, the palace offers a unique glimpse into one of Spain's most important private art collections. The painting collection includes works by Spanish masters such as Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán, and Velázquez, complemented by works from the Italian, Flemish, and French schools as well as portraits by Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Another highlight is the historic library, which houses rare documents. These include handwritten notes by Christopher Columbus, a first edition of Don Quixote, the first Bible written in Castilian, and a variety of noble charters and correspondence with historical figures. The estate has been open to the public since September 2019, and guided tours of the state rooms and the library can be reserved online.