Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart
XVIII Duchess of Alba / aristocratic owner / heritage custodian · 1926–2014; foundation established in 1973
An aristocratic owner and custodian
Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart (1926–2014), XVIII Duchess of Alba, was an aristocratic owner associated with the preservation of the House of Alba’s residences and collections. Her role in this catalogue is that of owner and heritage custodian. The family foundation’s account of her life highlights her contribution to the reconstruction of the Palacio de Liria during the 1950s.
Establishing a foundation
In 1973 Cayetana and her husband Luis established the Fundación Casa de Alba after several years of preparatory work. The institution was created to conserve and make known the family’s historic and artistic collections. The foundation’s own history connects this work with the later opening of collections and residences to visitors. Private ownership, institutional stewardship and public access are related but distinct parts of that history.
A palace as a place of personal creativity
The foundation’s centenary exhibition includes paintings made by Cayetana in her studio at Liria, together with photographs, documents and clothing from her personal archive. These materials add a domestic and creative dimension to a biography often told through titles and society appearances. This short account focuses on her relationship with residences and heritage; it is not a complete biography.
Related residences
- Palacio de Liria — description and visiting information
- Palacio de Las Dueñas — description and visiting information
Sources reviewed 2026-10-12.