Violant of Hungary facts for kids

Violant of Hungary (Hungarian: Jolán; Catalan: Iolanda or Violant d'Hongria; Spanish: Yolanda or Violante de Hungría; born around 1215 – died around 1251) was a powerful queen. She was the second wife of King James I of Aragon. She served as the queen of Aragon from 1235 until 1251.

Violant was a member of the Hungarian House of Árpád, a very old royal family. She was a trusted and important advisor to her husband, King James I. People in Catalonia and Valencia still remember her today.

Who Was Queen Violant's Family?

Violant was born in Esztergom, Hungary, around the year 1215. She was the only child of King Andrew II of Hungary and his second wife, Yolanda of Courtenay.

In 1235, Violant married King James I of Aragon. King James had been married before to Eleanor of Castile. However, their marriage was ended in 1229 because they were too closely related. James and Eleanor had a son named Alfonso. He was considered a rightful heir but passed away before his father.

Violant and James I's Children

Violant and King James I had ten children together. They had a large family that included future kings and queens:

• Violant (1236–1301): She became the Queen of Castile when she married Alfonso X of Castile.
• Constance (1239–1269)
• Peter III of Aragon (1240–1285): He later became King of Aragon.
• James II of Majorca (1243–1311): He became King of Majorca.
• Ferdinand (1245–1250)
• Sancha (1246–1251)
• Isabella (1247–1271): She became the Queen of France by marrying Philip III of France.
• Maria (1248–1267): She became a nun.
• Sancho (1250–1275): He became the Archbishop of Toledo.
• Eleanor (born 1251, died young)

How Violant Influenced the Kingdom

When Queen Violant traveled to her new home in Aragon, many Hungarian knights came with her. They were led by Denis of Hungary. Queen Violant was a very smart and strong woman. She played a big part in the politics of the Crown of Aragon.

She was one of King James I's most trusted advisors. She had a strong influence on his decisions. Violant was very important in major international agreements. One example is the Treaty of Almizra with Castile in 1244. This treaty helped shape the borders of the kingdom.

Violant also played a key role in the capture of the city of Valencia. She rode triumphantly into Valencia with her husband on October 9, 1238. This was a very important moment in the history of Aragon.

When Did Queen Violant Die and Where Is She Buried?

Queen Violant is believed to have died in September 1251. Some historical records suggest she might have lived a few years longer. However, most sources agree on 1251.

Violant and her daughter Sancha are buried at the Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona. This monastery is located in Vallbona de les Monges, Catalonia. Violant chose to be buried there because she had supported the monastery.

Her tomb is quite simple. It is placed along a wall on the right side of the church's main area. The tomb rests on two decorated pillars. These pillars have gold crosses inside red circles. The lid of the tomb is made of white stone and has a pointed top. A larger cross is in the center of the lid. The tomb also has three images of her husband's royal coat of arms.

Queen Violant's remains were moved to this tomb in 1275. An inscription on the tomb says: Fuit translata donna | Violán regina | Aragonum | anno 1275. This means "Queen Violant of Aragon was moved in the year 1275."

In 2002, the Hungarian government paid to restore her tomb. It cost 12,000 euros. However, the nuns at the monastery did not allow anyone to study what was inside the tomb. Violant is the only member of the Árpád dynasty whose remains have not been disturbed.

After Violant's death, King James I married again. His third wife was Teresa Gil de Vidaure.

How Is Queen Violant Remembered Today?

Since the 1800s, many streets have been named after Queen Violant. You can find them in cities like Barcelona and Zaragoza. These cities are in the areas that were once part of the Crown of Aragon.

October 9 is a special day in the Valencian Community. It is their national day. This day celebrates the Christian reconquest of Valencia. It also marks the day King James I and Queen Violant entered the city in 1238.

The celebration is called the Mocadorada of Sant Dionís. This is because October 9 is the feast day of Saint Denis of Paris. On this day, men often give their partners a special scarf called a "mocador." Inside the scarf are candies made of marzipan. These candies look like fruits and vegetables. Legend says these candies represent the gifts that Valencian Muslims offered to James and Violant when they entered the city.

See also

In Spanish: Violante de Hungría para niños