Audioguía Liria Palace en Madrid
✓ Audioguía Oficial Inteligente con Geoposicionamiento, Historia Detallada y Consejos de Visita.
Historia y Arquitectura de Liria Palace
Erected in the last third of the 18th century by order of the 3rd Duke of Berwick and Liria, Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart, Liria Palace represents the pinnacle of Neoclassical palatial architecture in Spain. Initially designed by French architect Louis Guilbert and completed by the illustrious master Ventura Rodríguez, its imposing stone and brick facade anticipated the timeless elegance of a complex designed to dazzle European aristocracy. Over the centuries, the palace served not only as the epicentre of Madrid's social and intellectual life, but also as a sanctuary for one of the world's most valuable private art collections.
However, the history of the palace is marked by both splendour and tragedy. During the Spanish Civil War in November 1936, the building suffered devastating bombings that reduced its interior to ashes, leaving only its four exterior facades standing. Thanks to the heroic determination of the 17th Duchess of Alba, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, and her father, the palace was meticulously rebuilt between 1948 and 1956 following the original plans of British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. During the conflict, most of the paintings and the historical archive had been safely evacuated to the Prado Museum and the British Embassy, preserving an irreplaceable heritage.
Today, stepping across the threshold of Liria Palace allows visitors to admire galleries showcasing iconic portraits like Goya’s depiction of the White Duchess, unique works by El Greco, Murillo, and Fra Angelico, alongside an impressive collection of Flemish tapestries and decorative arts. Its historical library deserves special recognition, housing incomparable bibliographical treasures including the famous 1430 Alba Bible, handwritten letters by Christopher Columbus, and the last will of King Philip II.
The palace remains the official residence of the House of Alba in Madrid, gracefully balancing aristocratic privacy with public cultural access. Wandering near its French and English-style gardens and through galleries imbued with the scents of fine wood and centuries-old varnish makes visiting Liria Palace an unforgettable sensory experience and an essential tribute to European art, diplomacy, and high culture.
🎙️ Transcripción Oficial de la Audioguía
Erected in the last third of the 18th century by order of the 3rd Duke of Berwick and Liria, Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart, Liria Palace represents the pinnacle of Neoclassical palatial architecture in Spain. Initially designed by French architect Louis Guilbert and completed by the illustrious master Ventura Rodríguez, its imposing stone and brick facade anticipated the timeless elegance of a complex designed to dazzle European aristocracy. Over the centuries, the palace served not only as the epicentre of Madrid's social and intellectual life, but also as a sanctuary for one of the world's most valuable private art collections.
However, the history of the palace is marked by both splendour and tragedy. During the Spanish Civil War in November 1936, the building suffered devastating bombings that reduced its interior to ashes, leaving only its four exterior facades standing. Thanks to the heroic determination of the 17th Duchess of Alba, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, and her father, the palace was meticulously rebuilt between 1948 and 1956 following the original plans of British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. During the conflict, most of the paintings and the historical archive had been safely evacuated to the Prado Museum and the British Embassy, preserving an irreplaceable heritage.
Today, stepping across the threshold of Liria Palace allows visitors to admire galleries showcasing iconic portraits like Goya’s depiction of the White Duchess, unique works by El Greco, Murillo, and Fra Angelico, alongside an impressive collection of Flemish tapestries and decorative arts. Its historical library deserves special recognition, housing incomparable bibliographical treasures including the famous 1430 Alba Bible, handwritten letters by Christopher Columbus, and the last will of King Philip II.
The palace remains the official residence of the House of Alba in Madrid, gracefully balancing aristocratic privacy with public cultural access. Wandering near its French and English-style gardens and through galleries imbued with the scents of fine wood and centuries-old varnish makes visiting Liria Palace an unforgettable sensory experience and an essential tribute to European art, diplomacy, and high culture.