Madrid - Palacio de Liria

The Palacio de Liria in Madrid, set in extensive grounds adjoining the imposing buildings of the Cuartel del Conde-Duque, is the residence of the Dukes of Alba, and is open to the public only by special appointment. The palace was begun in 1762, during the reign of Charles III, by the French architect Guilbert and completed in 1780 by Ventura Rodriguez. Following the model of the Palacio Real, this massive rectangular building has severe Baroque facades articulated by pillars and columns. During the Civil War of 1936-39 the palace was burned to the ground, but the art treasures of the Alba family had been transferred by the Republican Government to the safety of the vaults of the Banco de España and escaped destruction. The palace was rebuilt after the Civil War.