Palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa

About this heritage

The Renaissance palace built in the 16th century by the all-powerful Luna family. It is surrounded by spectacular gardens and today serves for weddings and events, but also opens its doors to the public by prior reservation.

Inside the palace are preserved three works by Francisco de Goya: ‘The Masked Ball’, a sketch of ‘The Charge of the Mamelukes’ and a half-length portrait of Ramón Pignatelli.

To learn more

The palace is a Renaissance construction from the mid-16th century. It consists of two brick floors that have undergone several remodelings in Baroque and Neoclassical styles. With a square plan, the interior rooms were arranged around a central courtyard from which the rest of the upper floor rooms are accessed, connected by a monumental staircase. At the back, a large garden was laid out. Between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a profound reform was carried out according to the Neoclassical taste of the time. In the palace library, one can admire Goya's oil painting, Portrait of Ramón de Pignatelli.

On the exterior, the facades are articulated through severe brick walls featuring on the ground floor a large entrance gate to the courtyard, projecting balconies on the noble floor, and elliptical oculus openings on the attic floor. As a finishing touch, a simple wooden eave on the street-facing facade and a half-round eave for the facade facing the palace gardens.

Next to the ducal palace of Villahermosa is the parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, over which the House of Villahermosa maintained patronage until 1973. This church was built in the 14th century over an earlier Romanesque construction from the mid-12th century. The temple, of small dimensions, consisted of a single nave but was expanded during the first half of the 16th century.

To know it better

The palace holds stories of illustrious visits and historical events. Among them stands out the visit of Pope Adrian VI, who baptized one of the daughters of the Dukes of Villahermosa. Additionally, the palace hosted Archbishop Don Hernando de Aragón, a notable patron and close relative of the dukes.

Don Hernando de Aragón, known for his contributions to architecture and art, reformed several chapels in the Seo of Zaragoza, oversaw the construction of the Lonja, and ordered the building of the Cartuja del Aula Dei. Despite his closeness to the dukes, the palace served as a refuge for the Jesuits during a period of tension with Zaragoza.

One of the most distinctive features of the palace is its underground connection to the church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. This corridor, built by Luisa de Borja, offers an intimate and magical route reminiscent of the famous Vasari Corridor in Florence. This exclusive passageway, which extends beneath several village houses, is a true architectural treasure.

Inside the palace are preserved three works by Francisco de Goya: ‘The Masked Ball’, a sketch of ‘The Charge of the Mamelukes’ and a portrait of Ramón Pignatelli. These pieces, along with others, were carefully restored by Pilar Azlor de Aragón and her children, ensuring the preservation of the palace's artistic legacy.

The palace and the church have been declared a Property of Cultural Interest, recognizing their historical and cultural value. Until 1973, the House of Villahermosa maintained patronage over the temple, leaving an indelible mark on the region's history.

Today, the Palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa remains a refuge of history and beauty. Affectionately known in the village as “the duke,” the current owner of the palace continues the family tradition, offering guided tours that allow visitors to explore this impressive heritage.

The library of the Palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa was one of the most esteemed of the 16th century and served as inspiration for the great libraries of Flanders and Renaissance Central Europe. This space, which housed a vast collection of manuscripts and valuable volumes, reflects the patronage and love of knowledge of its owners.

The Palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa in Pedrola is not just a building; it is a living monument of history, art, and culture. Its impressive architecture, Italian gardens, and rich history make it a must-visit place for any lover of art and history.