Architects who worked on the ducal properties

Architecture in Modern Age Spain was profoundly influenced by the nobility, particularly the dukes, who were not only owners of vast territories but also held significant economic and cultural power. Over the centuries, these nobles became patrons of artists and architects, thus contributing to the creation of some of the country's most emblematic works. In this context, the role of the architects who worked on ducal properties becomes a central axis for understanding how architecture intertwined with the history of nobility and culture in Spain.

From the Renaissance to the Baroque, ducal properties were not only residences but also symbols of power and status. The construction of palaces and gardens, as well as the remodeling of castles, became projects that reflected the grandeur of noble families. One of the most prominent architects of the Renaissance was Juan Bautista de Toledo, known for his work on the Royal Palace of Madrid. Although this palace was not strictly a ducal project, the influence of the nobility on its design and construction was significant, as it reflected the authority of the monarchy over the nobility.

De Toledo was said to have an architectural vision that combined function and aesthetics, a quality that made him particularly attractive to the nobles of his time. His work is characterized by the integration of classical elements, which allowed him to introduce a new architectural language that blended the rigor of the Renaissance with the more exuberant ornamentation that developed later. This style would be adopted by many architects who worked for dukes and nobles, who sought to manifest their power and wealth through architecture.

However, it was the 17th century that witnessed a remarkable flourishing in the architecture of ducal palaces. The dukes...