Theresa of Portugal, Queen of León facts for kids

Theresa of Portugal (born in 1176 – died on June 18, 1250) was a queen of León. She was the first wife of King Alfonso IX of León. Theresa was the oldest daughter of Sancho I of Portugal and Dulce of Aragon.

Her marriage to King Alfonso was later declared invalid. This happened because they were first cousins. After this, Theresa chose to live in a convent. She was later honored as a saint in 1705.

Her Family and Early Life

Theresa was born in 1176 in the Kingdom of Portugal. Her father was King Sancho I of Portugal. Her mother was Queen Dulce of Aragon. Theresa was the oldest of their many children.

Marriage to King Alfonso IX

In 1191, Theresa married King Alfonso IX of León. He was her first cousin. They had three children together. Their daughters were Sancha and Dulce. Their son was Ferdinand. Ferdinand was expected to become king after his father. However, he passed away in 1214.

Why the Marriage Ended

The marriage between Theresa and Alfonso was declared invalid. This was because they were first cousins. At that time, the church did not allow first cousins to marry. After the marriage ended, Theresa returned to Portugal.

Life in the Convent

Theresa went to live at the Monastery of Lorvão in Portugal. This monastery used to follow the Benedictine rule. Theresa changed it into a Cistercian convent. More than 300 nuns lived there. She lived as a nun for many years.

A Royal Dispute: Who Would Be King?

King Alfonso IX died in 1230. He had married a second time to Queen Berengaria of Castile. This second marriage was also declared invalid. Berengaria was Alfonso's first cousin once removed.

Because both of Alfonso's marriages were invalid, there was a problem. It was unclear which of his children should become the next ruler. There was a big argument over who would inherit the throne of León.

The Treaty of Benavente

Theresa played a very important role in solving this problem. She helped negotiate a special agreement called the Treaty of Benavente. Through this treaty, her daughters, Sancha and Dulce, agreed to step aside. This allowed Ferdinand III of Castile to become the new king of León. Ferdinand III was the eldest son of King Alfonso and his second wife, Berengaria.

Her Later Life and Legacy

After the dispute over the throne was settled, Theresa returned to the Lorvão convent. She officially took her vows to become a nun. She lived there until her death on June 18, 1250. She passed away from natural causes.

Becoming a Saint

On December 13, 1705, Theresa was honored by Pope Clement XI. She was declared "blessed" (or beatified) by a special church document. Her sister, Sancha, was also beatified at the same time.

Theresa's special day to be remembered was originally June 17. Since 1962, her feast day is celebrated on June 20. This is the same day as her two sisters, Sancha and Mafalda.

See also

In Spanish: Teresa de Portugal (reina de León) para niños