María Calderón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
María Calderón
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| Born |
María Inés Calderón
1605 Madrid, Spain
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| Died | 1678 (aged 72–73) Guadalajara, Spain
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| Other names | La Calderona Marizápalos |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Partner(s) | Philip IV of Spain |
| Children | John of Austria the Younger |
María Inés Calderón (born in Madrid in 1605, died in Guadalajara in 1678), also known as La Calderona or Marizápalos, was a famous Spanish actress. She was the mother of John of Austria the Younger, who was the only son of King Philip IV that the king officially recognized.
Her Life Story
María Calderón became well-known when she first performed at the Corral de la Cruz theater in Madrid in 1627. Her acting caught the attention of King Philip IV. At that time, she was in a relationship with Ramiro Pérez de Guzmán, the Duke of Medina de las Torres.
The King asked María to stop her acting career. He arranged for her to live in a palace in Madrid. In 1629, she gave birth to her son, John of Austria the Younger. Despite her wishes, she did not get to raise her son. Her relationship with the king ended that same year.
In March 1642, María Calderón joined a monastery. She went to the San Juan Bautista monastery of Valfermoso of the Nuns, located in the Province of Guadalajara. She later became the abbess, or head nun, of the monastery in 1643.
Her Lasting Impact
The Sierra Calderona mountain range in Spain is named after María Calderón. This area was once called Monts de Porta Coeli. The name Calderona became popular in the 17th century. It is said that María Calderón, "La Calderona," once hid in these mountains among groups of highwaymen (people who robbed travelers).
See Also
In Spanish: María Calderón para niños
