He is a descendant of a prominent noble family, directly linked to the Spanish and French royal lines. Count José Miguel Zamoyski de Bourbon y Navarro also has strong ties to Slovakia. In 1882, his ancestor Andrzej Przemysław Zamoyski purchased Ľubovňa Castle, the surrounding lands, and forests for 58,000 gold coins – property the Zamoyski family would hold for more than sixty years.
Do you have any duties to your family or the public that come with this heritage?
Bearing a name associated with royalty in the 21st century carries more responsibility than privilege. It is a legacy that morally binds me to serve as a guardian of historical and family heritage and to always act with a strong sense of responsibility in both private life and public matters. Through family tradition, I am connected with religious fraternities and noble corporations, and it is my duty to preserve traditions and help those who are economically less fortunate.
Do you or your family engage in politics in Spain?
No – neither my family nor I are actively involved in politics. I believe that while every citizen has civic responsibility, our role must remain neutral, especially when carrying a name of historical significance. My engagement is more closely tied to the arts and charity. I believe in the power of faith, history, education, and art as tools of social cohesion and development, and that is where I prefer to focus my efforts.
You studied history, art appraisal, antiquities, and gemology. Was that your personal choice, or was it shaped by your background?
It was a personal choice. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to objects that tell stories of time: manuscripts, portraits, antique jewelry, pieces of furniture... History felt tangible to me. Studying history, art appraisal, antiquities, and gemology wasn’t a duty – it was a calling. Of course, my family environment had an influence – I grew up surrounded by history and art.
I read in your biography that you’ve also worked in art restoration. What kinds of objects have passed through your hands?
My early work was in the field of restoration, specifically paintings and gilding. I had the honor of personally participating in, or serving as a consultant for, the restoration of family portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries. I restored several console tables from the royal palace in Madrid. I enjoy restoration greatly – each restored item is a renewed encounter with history. It’s like giving a voice back to something that shouldn’t be lost.
Mr. Dalibor Mikulík, director of Ľubovňa Castle and Museum, has done a great deal for the castle. How has it changed since you visited with your father? And have any other members of your family visited?
I first visited Ľubovňa Castle in the summer of 1990 with my parents. My father always felt a deep affection for our Central European roots. Since then – especially under Mr. Mikulík’s leadership – the castle has undergone a remarkable transformation. Not only has work been done to restore and preserve its structures, but its historical and cultural dimension has been enhanced, making it a symbol of European heritage. In addition to my parents and me, my cousins have also visited the castle on a separate occasion. We all have very fond memories of the experience and of the hospitality we received.
Have you met the owners of the castle who held it before your grandparents? What is your relationship with them?
Yes – I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some descendants of the families historically connected to the castle. We have family ties and maintain friendships with Princes Jan and Helena Lubomirski. Our conversations often center on the preservation of family and cultural heritage, art, and history.
What is your relationship with eastern Slovakia? How was Slovakia discussed in your family?
From the photographs of my father, his siblings, and grandparents that I’ve seen, it’s clear they experienced a very happy period in Slovakia. But unfortunately, when they had to leave under such traumatic circumstances, they preferred to turn the page – and didn’t speak much about that time afterward.
How often do you travel to Slovakia? Do you have favorite places or foods?
I try to visit Slovakia whenever circumstances allow – ideally once every two or three years. Each visit allows me to rediscover something new. Thanks to Mr. Mikulík, I’ve learned more about the Tatras and traditional architecture. And above all, my favorite place is Ľubovňa Castle, which holds great sentimental value for me. As for food – I proudly declare myself a fan of bryndzové halušky, local cheeses, and Slovak pastries, which have very authentic flavors.
What do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I am a very curious person. I enjoy reading – especially European history and biographies of historical figures. I’m also interested in classical music and flamenco, and I love traveling abroad or visiting small towns steeped in history. Whenever I can, I escape to southern Spain – especially to Seville, my hometown. This beautiful city offers cultural richness and a quality of life I greatly value: an evening walk through its streets at sunset or a relaxed conversation with friends at a café are the small pleasures that brighten my everyday life.
How do you see Spanish-Slovak relations? Do you have any ideas for projects that could strengthen or improve them?
Relations between Spain and Slovakia are positive, but I believe there’s significant room for improvement – particularly in the areas of culture and education. I’m convinced it is essential to promote mutual understanding through initiatives like student exchanges, artist residencies, or collaborations between museums and cultural institutions. One project I would love to see is a traveling exhibition between the two countries on their shared history. These types of initiatives not only bring cultures closer together but also build bridges between generations.
CV BOX
José Miguel Zamoyski de Bourbon y Navarro (born April 9, 1975, in Seville) is a direct descendant of the noble Zamoyski family and of Princesses Carolina and Isabel de Bourbon, who once lived on the estate in Stará Ľubovňa, Slovakia. He officially represents the Zamoyski – de Bourbon family in Spain.
He studied geography and history at the National University of Distance Education and earned a diploma in antiquities from the Madrid School of Art and Antiques, along with qualifications as a cataloguer and appraiser of artworks.
He received a gemology diploma from the Spanish Gemological Institute in Madrid – gemology being the science of precious stones.
He currently works as the director of Saryus Fine Arts S.L.
In the past, he specialized in evaluating artworks in private collections, worked for Christie’s auction house in Madrid, and was also involved in restoration work.
He speaks Spanish and English.
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