Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Zúñiga facts for kids

Luis Fernández de Córdoba was an important Spanish nobleman. He was born around 1480 and passed away on August 17, 1526. He held several important titles during his life.

Luis was the count of Cabra and viscount of Iznájar. He was also the lord of the house of Baena. Through his marriage, he became the Duke of Sessa, of Terranova, and of Santángelo. These ducal titles were created for his wife's father, Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, known as the "Great Captain."

Luis was the son of Diego Fernández de Córdoba y Mendoza, who was the third count of Cabra. His mother was Francisca de Zúñiga y de la Cerda.

A Life of Service

Luis Fernández de Córdoba served as a courtier and ambassador for Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. A courtier is someone who attends a royal court, and an ambassador is a person sent to another country to represent their own.

Travels and Diplomacy

In 1518, Luis traveled to Flanders with his brothers, Pedro and Francisco. He then joined Charles V on his journey to Spain for his coronation.

By 1521, Luis was in Italy during a time of conflict, known as the Sixth Italian War. He was considered for a top position in the Spanish army. However, Fernando d'Ávalos was chosen for that role in 1522.

On September 17, 1522, Luis was appointed as the emperor's ambassador to Pope Adrian VI. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. Luis continued in this important role under Pope Clement VII from November 1523 until May 1526.

He also held the position of Spanish vice-regent in Italy. This meant he was in charge of all other ambassadors and military leaders in Italy. He was even above the Viceroy of Naples.

Final Years and Conflict

In 1526, a new war began, called the Seventh Italian War. In this war, the emperor and the Pope were on opposing sides. Luis marched to the Kingdom of Naples with Hugo of Moncada. Their goal was to gather troops against Rome. This conflict eventually led to the Sack of Rome in May 1527.

Luis became ill in San Marino. He asked Pope Clement VII for permission to enter Rome for medical treatment. He was allowed into the city and sadly passed away there on August 17, 1526.

Family and Legacy

Luis married his cousin, Elvira Fernández de Córdoba y Manrique, on March 18, 1518. They had four children together.

Children and Titles

Their first child was a son named Gonzalo II Fernández de Córdoba (1520–1578). Gonzalo inherited his father's important titles. After Gonzalo, Luis and Elvira had three daughters: María, Beatriz, and Francisca.

Luis only held his count titles for about a year, from August 1525 until his death in August 1526. This was because he outlived his own father by only one year. However, he held his ducal titles through his marriage starting in 1518.

When Gonzalo died in 1578 without having any children, the ducal titles passed to his sister Francisca. After Francisca's death, the titles were inherited by Antonio Fernández de Córdoba y Cardona, who was the son of Beatriz.

See also

In Spanish: Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Zúñiga para niños