Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal, 6th Duke of Veragua facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Admiral of the Ocean Sea The Most Excellent The Duke of Veragua
26th Viceroy of New Spain
In office December 3, 1673 – December 8, 1673
Monarch	Charles II
Preceded by	Antonio Sebastián de Toledo, 2nd Marquess of Mancera
Succeeded by	Payo Enríquez de Rivera
Personal details
Born	1615 Madrid, Spain
Died	December 8, 1673(1673-12-08) (aged 44) Mexico City, New Spain
Spouse	Isabel de la Cueva y Enriquez de Cabrera

Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal y Castro was an important Spanish nobleman. He was the 6th Duke of Veragua, the 6th Marquess of Jamaica, and the 6th Count of Gelves. He was born in Madrid, Spain, on December 13, 1628. He later became the viceroy of New Spain, which was a large Spanish territory in the Americas. Sadly, his time as viceroy was very short. He served from December 3, 1673, until his death on December 8, 1673, in Mexico City.

Early Life and Family

Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal was born in Madrid, Spain. His father was Álvaro Colón de Portugal y Portocarrero. He was the 5th Duke of Veragua and an admiral. His mother was Catalina de Castro y Portugal, the 5th Countess of Gelves. His family was related to the royal family of Portugal.

Becoming a Viceroy

Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal was a respected knight. He was part of the Order of the Golden Fleece since 1670. He also inherited important titles like admiral and governor of the Indies.

In 1672, King Charles II of Spain chose him to be the new viceroy of New Spain. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a colony in the king's name. Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal was the first viceroy chosen by King Charles II.

He traveled to Veracruz in September 1673. He spent some time there checking the forts. This was important because Spain was at war with France.

His Short Time as Viceroy

Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal arrived at Chapultepec on November 16, 1673. He stayed there for three weeks because he was not feeling well.

He officially took over the government on November 20. However, he waited to start his duties. His grand entry into Mexico City happened on December 8, 1673. His rule is counted from this date. One of the few things he did was lower the prices of cacao and maize.

His time as viceroy was the shortest ever. He died on December 13, 1673, at 5 AM. This was only five days after he formally started his job. His funeral was held in the cathedral in Mexico City. His body was placed in the chapel of Santo Cristo. Some historians believe his remains were later moved to Spain. Others think they are still in the cathedral.

After his death, the government of New Spain was given to Payo Enríquez de Rivera. He was the archbishop of Mexico at the time.

His Family and Descendants

Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal married Isabel de la Cueva y Enriquez de Cabrera. They got married on February 8, 1645, when he was 18 years old.

They had a son named Pedro Manuel Colón de Portugal, 7th duke of Veragua. He was born in 1651. Their son also became a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. He later served as a viceroy in other places, like Valencia, Sicily, and Sardinia.

Pedro Manuel Colón de Portugal married Teresa de Ayala Toledo y Fajardo de Mendoza. They had a daughter named Catalina Ventura. She later married James Fitz-James Stuart, 2nd Duke of Berwick. He was a famous Spanish ambassador.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal para niños