Fernando Fitz James Stuart and Solis Beaumont, the current Duke and Duchess Huescar, along with Sofia Palazuelos, made an institution visit to Huescar. They were invited by the city councils in both cities that once belonged the House of Alba.
The visit lasted for the entire weekend. It began in La Puebla de Don Fadrique where they were welcomed by Mayor Mariano Garcia Castillo as well as the Municipal Corporation. After a short speech, the Duke and Duchess signed a book of honor. They then took a walk through the streets stopping at various public establishments like the Aguirre bakery. They also visited Santa Maria de la Quinta Angustia Parish Church, where they prayed in front of images of the Patron Saints Alodia, Nunilon, and then returned to the hermitage, which is located at the foot of Mount Sagra. Another of the visits of the XVII Duke of Huescar and his wife, Sofia Palazuelos, was to the Ethnographic-Archaeological Museum.
The Duchess and Mayor Ramon Martinez were always present in Huescar. Soledad Martinez was the Deputy Mayor. With the consent of the Archbishop and Duke of Alba, the Franciscan community in Huescar was established on October 6, 1602.
The House of Alba’s heir, along with his wife, were able to see the City Museum and the restored frescoes from the cloister, philosophers’ and other rooms, which are all housed in the same convent. They then went on to the Torre del Homenaje to view the sunset and visited the Church of Santiago. Here they were able to see the noble coat of armour that guards the main entrance of this church. It is the one that belonged to the House of Alba. They also visited the House of the Penalva
After a traditional breakfast of Huescar churros, the group visited Santa Maria la Mayor Collegiate Church. There they were shown the Casa de Alba clothes. It is the famous “Duke’s Suit” with its rich embroidery. After noon, they were greeted at Huescar Town Hall for an official reception.
Both La Puebla’s mayor and Huescar Ramon Martn agree that the Dukes of Huescar visited both towns for the first time. They were warm and friendly with the huesquerinos and offered information about the Grandes de Espana, which is today made up of members. In the speech of Duke of Huescar in the Plenary Hall, the City Council made clear that the historical relationship between House of Alba, Huescar and was still bitter, with many altercations and at various times. This visit has, in the context of the moment, served to “reconciliation” and collaborate between the Duke of Huescar and the city. It left behind all past quarrels, and put peace, friendship, and collaboration forward. The mayor of Huesca explains.
Fernando Fitz James Stuart is currently working in Switzerland in banking. He participates directly in the administration of the House of Alba’s agricultural and livestock activities, as well its Patrimony. He also has interests and decisions regarding its various Foundations. A kind of commitment has been established that can allow for future collaborations and also promote tourism. Both Fernando and Sofia were able to see places, monuments and gastronomy they had never imagined. Ramon Martinez says that they now have enough experience to be ambassadors of the Huescar and Puebla environments and activities.
Histories
As a reward for his service to the Kingdom of Castile during the Granada War, Fadrique Alvarez de Tormes II Duke of Alba de Tormes received the lands that make up the Duchy de Huescar in 1513.
King Felipe II gave the title of Duchy de Huescar to Maria Josefa Pimentel-y Giron in 1563 as a wedding gift. He married the future IV Duke and eldest son from the House of Alba. Fabrice Alvarez de Toledo and Enriquez de Guzman.