Palacio de los duques de Alba

The Palacio de los Duques de Alba is a neoclassical building featuring a U-shaped footprint with three floors above ground and a basement level. The entire structure was built from granite quarried locally, with a spacious courtyard facing the front elevation.

Construction took place between 1755 and 1766 under architect Jacques Marquet, who designed it for Fernando de Silva, the 12th Duke of Alba. The new palace replaced a medieval fortress that had previously occupied the elevated site.

The palace became a social center where the Duchess of Alba hosted notable painters and writers from Madrid society. Francisco Goya was among the creative figures who visited and found inspiration within its rooms and gardens.

The building now serves as a public primary school known as CEIP Gran Duque de Alba and is not typically open for tourist visits during school hours. The palace gardens surrounding the grounds are accessible to residents as a public park space.

The palace gardens were designed in the style of Versailles and include original decorative fountains scattered throughout. These gardens now serve as a free public park where visitors can stroll among the manicured plantings and water features.

Location: Piedrahíta

GPS coordinates: 40.46155,-5.32608

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54