Gómez Suárez de Figueroa, 3rd Duke of Feria facts for kids

In 1633, a Spanish army led by Gómez Suárez de Figueroa captured the city of Rheinfelden. This was part of a plan to connect Spanish lands like Milan and the Spanish Netherlands. This painting is by Vicente Carducho.

Gómez Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba (born September 1, 1587 – died 1634) was an important Spanish nobleman, diplomat, and army leader in the 1600s. He held the title of the 3rd Duke of Feria.

Life of a Spanish Leader

Gómez Suárez de Figueroa was the son of Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba. When his father passed away in 1607, Gómez became the 3rd Duke of Feria and the 2nd Marquis of Villalba.

People knew Don Gómez as the Gran Duque de Feria, which means "Great Duke of Feria." He earned this name because he was a very skilled military commander. Many consider him one of the last great army leaders of the Spanish Empire.

He also served in many important government roles. He was a Viceroy (a ruler acting for the king) in Valencia and Catalonia. He was also the Governor of Milan. Besides these roles, he was a state councilor and a special ambassador to important places like Rome and France.

Gómez Suárez de Figueroa married Francisca Cardona y Córdoba first. Later, he married Ana Fernández de Córdoba y Figueroa. They had a son named Gaspar Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba, who was born in 1629. After his father and grandfather died, Gaspar became the 4th Duke of Feria and 3rd Marquis of Villalba in 1634. Sadly, Gaspar also died in the same year at the age of five. After his death, the title of Duke of Feria went to Gaspar's maternal grandfather, the Marquis of Priego.

Gómez Suárez de Figueroa died in 1634 in Munich. He passed away from a serious illness called typhoid.

Important Roles and Titles

Gómez Suárez de Figueroa held several key positions during his career, showing his importance in the Spanish Empire.

Viceroy of Valencia

• He served as the Viceroy of Valencia from 1615 to 1618. Before him was The Marquis of Caracena, and after him was The Marquis of Tavara.

Governor of Milan

• He was the Governor of the Duchy of Milan from 1618 to 1625. The Marquis of Villafranca was governor before him, and Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba followed him.
• He returned to serve as Governor of the Duchy of Milan again from 1631 to 1633. The Marquis of Santa Cruz was governor before this second term, and The Cardinal-Infante took over after him.

Viceroy of Catalonia

• He was the Viceroy of Catalonia from 1629 to 1630. The Bishop of Solsona was before him, and Enrique de Aragón came after him.

Duke of Feria and Marquis of Villalba

• He held the title of Duke of Feria from 1607 to 1634. His father, Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa, was the Duke before him. His son, Gaspar Suárez de Figueroa, became the Duke after him.
• He was also the Marquis of Villalba from 1604 to 1634. His father, Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa, was the Marquis before him. His son, Gaspar Suárez de Figueroa, became the Marquis after him.