Liria Palace

Liria Palace Madrid: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Liria Palace (Palacio de Liria) is one of Madrid’s most distinguished historical landmarks—an exquisite blend of neoclassical architecture, world-renowned art collections, and the living legacy of the House of Alba, one of Spain’s most illustrious noble families. Built in the late 18th century, the palace has evolved from a private aristocratic residence to a vibrant cultural venue, now open to the public. This comprehensive guide covers the palace’s history, architecture, collections, contemporary exhibitions, essential visitor information—including Liria Palace visiting hours, ticketing details, accessibility, and nearby attractions—ensuring you make the most of your visit to this Madrid historical site (Headout; Fascinating Spain; Spain.info).

Entrance to Palacio de Liria in Madrid with ornate wrought iron gates and historic architecture

Entrance to the Palacio de Liria in Madrid with ornate wrought iron gates and stone pillars

Entrance to Palacio de Liria in Madrid with ornate iron gates and stone columns

Entrance gate to the Palacio de Liria in Madrid with ornate ironwork and stone columns

Entrance to the Palacio de Liria in Madrid with ornate gates and historic architecture

Main exterior facade of Palacio de Liria in Madrid

Main exterior facade of the Palacio de Liria in Madrid

The History and Evolution of Liria Palace
The House of Alba: Dynastic Heritage
Architectural Highlights and Restoration
The Art Collection: Masterpieces and Manuscripts
Liria Palace Today: Living Heritage and Public Access
Contemporary Art at Liria Palace: Joana Vasconcelos’ “Flamboyant” Exhibition
Visitor Information: Tickets, Hours, Accessibility, and Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Travel Recommendations
References

The History and Evolution of Liria Palace

Origins and Construction

Liria Palace was commissioned in 1767 by Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart, 3rd Duke of Berwick and Liria, a prominent figure in Spanish aristocracy. The project’s initial design was crafted by Ventura Rodríguez, a master of Spanish neoclassicism, and completed in 1785. The palace’s symmetry, classical columns, and restrained ornamentation are emblematic of the Enlightenment ideals of its time. In the early 20th century, British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens introduced subtle English touches, particularly in the interiors, further enhancing its cosmopolitan character (Headout; Fascinating Spain).

Adversity and Restoration

During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, Liria Palace was largely destroyed by fire, with only its four exterior walls left standing. Thanks to the efforts of the Alba family, most of its priceless artworks were saved and stored in secure locations. Restoration began after the war, led by Sir Edwin Lutyens and later his son, Robert Lutyens, who meticulously rebuilt the palace interiors while maintaining harmony between Spanish and British influences (Headout).

The House of Alba: Dynastic Heritage

The House of Alba is one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious noble families, tracing its lineage back to the 15th century. Over generations, its members served as military leaders, diplomats, and patrons of the arts. The palace’s most famous modern resident was Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, the 18th Duchess of Alba, celebrated for her vibrant personality and contributions to Spanish culture. Today, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, the 19th Duke of Alba, continues to reside at Liria Palace (The Independent).

Architectural Highlights and Restoration

Neoclassical Grandeur

The palace’s design draws from the French “petit hôtel” style, with a symmetrical layout, noble floors, and elegant balconies. The façade features horizontal bands, classical columns, and a frieze of smaller windows. The gardens reflect both English Romantic and French Versailles influences—the front garden is now an English-style space, and the rear garden, redesigned by Nicolas Forestier in 1915, features geometric lines reminiscent of Versailles (Fascinating Spain).

Interior Features

Highlights include the marble-clad entrance hall, a grand staircase adorned with busts of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie de Montijo, magnificent salons, and a wood-paneled library. Early 20th-century renovations preserved the neoclassical charm, with molded ceilings, rose windows, and opulent furnishings (Guías Viajar).

The Art Collection: Masterpieces and Manuscripts

Often described as a “mini Prado,” Liria Palace’s art collection spans over five centuries. Masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, El Greco, Zurbarán, Murillo, and other luminaries are on display. Notable highlights include Goya’s portrait of the Duchess of Alba and Titian’s and Rubens’ depictions of the Grand Duke of Alba (Spain.info).

The library holds between 9,000 and 20,000 volumes, including:

A 1605 first edition of Don Quixote
The last will of King Ferdinand II of Aragón
Letters and a map by Christopher Columbus
The Alba Bible, an early Spanish Old Testament translation (Spain.info)

Rooms such as the Salón de Goya, Salón Flamenco, and the Ballroom offer a unique glimpse into the history and legacy of the Alba family.

Liria Palace Today: Living Heritage and Public Access

Unlike many historic palaces converted into museums, Liria Palace remains a functioning residence. However, since 2019, it has opened its doors to the public via guided and audio-guided tours, offering intimate access to its salons, library, and art treasures (Headout). Tours are enriched with period music and dramatized historical narratives, providing an immersive experience (Guías Viajar).

Contemporary Art at Liria Palace: Joana Vasconcelos’ “Flamboyant” Exhibition

In 2025, Liria Palace hosted the landmark “Flamboyant” exhibition by renowned Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Her monumental installations, including crocheted lions and vibrant chandeliers, created a dialogue with the palace’s historical collection, marking the first time contemporary art was integrated into this aristocratic setting (esmadrid.com; Koenig Galerie). The exhibition also granted access to previously restricted spaces such as the chapel, music room, and gardens.

Vasconcelos’ works challenge traditional boundaries, exploring themes of identity, femininity, and social commentary. The exhibition’s success underscored Liria Palace’s role as a dynamic cultural venue bridging past and present (palaciodeliria.com).

Visitor Information: Tickets, Hours, Accessibility, and Travel Tips

Visiting Hours

Standard Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry one hour before closing)
Closed: Mondays and public holidays
Special Exhibition Hours (e.g., “Flamboyant”): Monday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (palaciodeliria.com)

Tickets

General Admission: €12–€20 (standard tour); exhibition tickets may be higher
Discounts: Available for students, seniors, children, and groups
Free Entry: Limited free tours on non-holiday Monday mornings (advance online booking required, max two per person) (Madrid Secreto)
Booking: Strongly recommended online via the official website or authorized platforms; on-site purchase is limited

Tour Structure

Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes
Languages: Audio guides in Spanish, English, French, Italian, and German
Group Size: Small groups ensure an intimate experience
Strict Route: Tours follow a fixed path to protect delicate interiors

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Ramps and adapted facilities provided; some historic areas may have limited access
Assistive Services: Inquire in advance for hearing or visual impairment accommodations

Photography Policy

Inside: Not permitted to protect the collection
Gardens: Photography allowed

Getting There

Address: Calle de la Princesa, 20, 28008 Madrid
Metro: Ventura Rodríguez (Line 3) or Plaza de España (Line 10)
Bus: Mártires de Alcalá stop (Line 2)
Parking: Limited; public transport recommended

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes due to historic flooring
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour
Bring valid ID for discounts
Avoid large bags due to security policies

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your Madrid itinerary by exploring nearby sites:

Royal Palace of Madrid: Spain’s grandest royal residence
Prado Museum: Masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco
Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums: Modern and classical art
Retiro Park: Iconic green oasis
Plaza de España: Historic square near Liria Palace

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Liria Palace visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online via the official site or authorized vendors. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Q: Is the palace wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, most areas are accessible; some historic rooms may have limited access.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: No, photography is not allowed inside. You may take photos in the gardens.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, all visits are via guided or audio-guided tours in several languages.

Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes, children are welcome; under 6 enter free.

Summary and Travel Recommendations

Liria Palace is a magnificent emblem of Madrid’s aristocratic heritage, architectural splendor, and artistic excellence. From its 18th-century neoclassical origins through its resilient post-war restoration, the palace has become both a private residence and a beacon of cultural significance. Its world-class art collection, rare manuscripts, and immersive tours offer an exceptional window into Spain’s noble history (Headout; Fascinating Spain).

The 2025 “Flamboyant” exhibition by Joana Vasconcelos marked a pivotal moment, integrating contemporary art within the palace’s historic spaces and opening new areas to the public (esmadrid.com; Koenig Galerie). Plan your visit by booking tickets in advance, review tour options and hours, and explore the many nearby attractions Madrid has to offer. For enhanced experiences, download the Audiala app for audio guides and follow the Casa de Alba Foundation for updates on events and exhibitions.