The Palace of Fernán Núñez: History and Splendor

The Palace of Fernán Núñez is one of the most significant and best preserved buildings of romantic, Isabelline Madrid. Located at number 44 on the popular Santa Isabel Street, and also known as the Palace of Cervellón, it was the primary residence of the Dukes of Fernán Núñez.

In 1769, the 13th Duke of Alburquerque, Miguel José María de la Cueva Velasco, purchased the building. Between 1790 and 1799, he had it remodeled to better meet the needs of a Spanish dignitary. The work was carried out by the architect Antonio López Aguado.

The architect responsible for this remodeling was Martín López Aguado, son of the previous architect, who continued with the same esthetic as his father, respecting the structure he had built. The works took place between 1847 and 1849, following the building style of the period, with an irregular floor plan around interior courtyards.

In 1852, the 3rd Duchess of Fernán Núñez, Pilar Osorio y Gutiérrez de los Ríos, and Manuel Falcó d’Adda, son of the prince Pío de Saboya, were married, marking the beginning of the most illustrious period in the palace's history. They transformed the building and extended the interior, turning it into one of the most lauded palaces of Spanish romanticism.

There were spectacular parties. Events for the monarchy, high nobility, politicians, and artists. They also commissioned new decorations from the most prestigious French and Italian artists of the time.

This painting by Juan Comba García depicts the spectacular walnut staircase (Escalera de Nogal) leading to the dukes' private rooms, carved with plant motifs.

Accounts from the period expressed the luxury and good taste present in the rooms. Examples of this include the stuccoes that still cover the ceilings and walls, simulating hardwood and Carrara marble, as well as the opulent furniture: Baccarat lamps, lamps made from La Granja and Murano glass, and rugs from the Royal Factory, completing the collection.

These are the first known photographs of the palace, showing the original condition of the principal rooms, and offering information on their names. The rooms appear empty, but there is a sense of warmth that comes from a lived-in house, and also of the presence of the dukes and their children.

This alternate view of the Portrait Room includes the portraits of Manuel Falcó and Pilar Osorio, painted by Rosales and Madrazo, respectively.

In the Yellow Room there are beautiful silk fabrics from Lyon hanging on the walls, and notable iconography on the overdoor paintings by the Madrid artist, Vicente Palmaroli. It was also known as the Isabelline Room due to it being Isabella II's favorite space.

The Formal Dining Room set, acquired by the 3rd Dukes at the International Exposition of 1867, in Paris, stands out for its walnut wood panels with green diorite inlay, carvings, and French Aubusson tapestries.

The Music Room, also known as the boudoir, and billiard hall beyond, today the Yellow Room or Lost Steps Room, were recreational spaces. The duke and his guests would relax here while the ladies sipped coffee and listened to a piano recital by an invited artist or relative of the hosts.

The dukes' private and personal spaces consisted of the duchess' office, or Red Room, and the bedroom. Both underwent significant modifications between 1921 and 1923, and later during the Renfe period.

The Tapestry Room is a brightly lit space leading out onto the garden. It is a regal room, holding the immense wealth of its gothic tapestries from the Flemish school.

Want to know more?

Continue reading about the history of this building in the following exhibitions:

- The Palace of Fernán Núñez in the 20th Century