Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (1520–1578) facts for kids

Gonzalo II Fernández de Córdoba (born in Cartagena, Spain, on July 27, 1520 – died in Odón on December 3, 1578) was an important Spanish nobleman and military leader. He held many powerful titles, like the third Duke of Sessa. His grandfather was a famous leader called the Viceroy of Naples. Gonzalo II himself became a top military leader for Spain in Italy. He was the Captain General of Spanish troops and the Great Admiral of Naples. He also advised the Spanish king on important matters of state and war.

The coat of arms of Gonzalo II Fernández de Córdoba, a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This is found at Ghent Cathedral.

Early Life and Family

Gonzalo II had a difficult start to life. His mother passed away in 1524 when he was only four years old. Two years later, in 1526, his father died while fighting in Italy. This meant Gonzalo became an orphan at a very young age.

In 1538, when he was 18, Gonzalo married María Sarmiento de Mendoza in Valladolid, Spain. María was the sister of a powerful nobleman, the first Marquess of Camarasa. Her father, Francisco de los Cobos, was a very important Secretary of State and financial advisor to King Charles I of Spain (who was also Holy Roman Emperor Charles V). Gonzalo and María did not have any children together.

Important Roles and Titles

Gonzalo II was a very influential figure in his time. He served twice as the Governor of the Duchy of Milan, a significant area in Italy controlled by Spain. His first term was from 1554 to 1560, and his second was from 1563 to 1564.

In 1555, he was made a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was a very special and important award given to powerful nobles and rulers in Europe.

He inherited the lordship of Baena from his father. In 1566, King Philip II of Spain made this lordship into a dukedom, making Gonzalo the first Duke of Baena. He also held the title of third Duke of Andria, but he sold this title in 1552.

Succession of Titles

Gonzalo II Fernández de Córdoba passed away in 1578 without having any children. This meant that many of his important titles, including the fourth dukedom of Sessa and the second dukedom of Baena, went to his youngest sister, Francisca Fernández de Córdoba.

Francisca had married Álvaro de Zúñiga y Sotomayor in 1542. He was also a nobleman. However, Francisca also died without children in 1597. After her death, the ducal titles then passed to her nephew, Antonio Fernández de Córdoba y Cardona. Antonio was the son of Francisca's other sister, Beatriz.

External links

• http://www.grandesp.org.uk/historia/gzas/cabra.htm
• https://web.archive.org/web/20110722030656/http://www.comunecaraffadelbianco.it/public/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=1&lang=en

See also

In Spanish: Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba y Fernández de Córdoba para niños