Liria Palace

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The palace holds a collection of 24 paintings by Goya, including the famous portrait of the 13th Duchess of Alba.

2. 2

   The library contains the 'Alba Bible' of 1430, a rare manuscript commissioned by the Bishop of Burgos.

3. 3

   It houses the original 'Last Will and Testament' of King Ferdinand II of Aragon.

4. 4

   During the Spanish Civil War, the palace was nearly destroyed by fire; the art collection was evacuated to the British Embassy and the Bank of Spain to ensure its survival.

5. 5

   The building features an extensive collection of 18th-century French and English furniture preserved alongside Spanish historical artifacts.

Overview

Liria Palace is the primary residence of the House of Alba and houses one of the most significant private art collections in the world. Constructed in the 18th century, the neoclassical building was designed by architects Louis Guilbert and Ventura Rodríguez. The collection includes notable works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Titian, and Rembrandt. Visitors tour a curated selection of rooms containing tapestries, porcelain, and historical documents. The palace suffered extensive damage during the Spanish Civil War in 1936 but was meticulously restored to house the family's accumulated historical treasures. It remains an active noble residence, necessitating restricted access to specific areas of the property.

Insider tips

• Advance online booking is essential as the palace limits daily visitor capacity.

• An audio guide is included with entry, which provides necessary historical context for the specific rooms on the tour route.

• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the exhibition rooms.