Liria Palace facts for kids
The Liria Palace (called Palacio de Liria in Spanish) is a beautiful building in Madrid, the capital city of Spain. It is a private home that belongs to the House of Alba, a very old and important noble family in Spain.
Contents
History of the Liria Palace
Building a Grand Home
The Liria Palace was first ordered to be built by the Duke of Berwick. He was also known as the Duke of Liria. The construction of this grand palace began in the 18th century. It was designed to be a magnificent home for his family.
A Palace Through Time
In the early 1800s, the palace became the property of the House of Alba. Many important people have visited or lived in the Liria Palace. One famous person was Eugénie de Montijo. She was the last empress of France. Empress Eugénie lived in exile, meaning she had to leave her own country. She passed away at the Liria Palace in 1920.
Rebuilding After the War
Sadly, during the Spanish Civil War (a big conflict in Spain), most of the Liria Palace was destroyed. Only the outside walls, called the facades, remained standing.
After the war, the palace was carefully rebuilt. This huge task was led by Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart, 17th Duke of Alba and his daughter, Cayetana. They used special designs for the inside of the palace. These plans were made by a famous British architect named Edwin Lutyens. Even though he had passed away, his ideas helped bring the palace back to life.
Who Lives at the Palace Now?
For many years, the Liria Palace was owned by the 18th Duchess of Alba, Cayetana. She was a very well-known figure in Spain. While she mostly lived in Seville, her son and heir, Carlos Fitz-James Stuart, 14th Duke of Huéscar, lived at the Liria Palace. Today, the palace remains a private residence for the House of Alba. It also holds an amazing collection of art and historical items.
Images for kids
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Detail of the main entrance
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de Liria para niños
