The Impact of Fernández de Córdoba: The Family that Inherited the Duchy After the Extinction of La Cerda

The Ducal House of Medinaceli, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Spain, has been the backdrop for intrigues, grandeur, and spectacular falls that have shaped the history of the country. In this account, we will focus on the decisive impact of the Fernández de Córdoba, who rose as the heirs of the duchy after the extinction of the House of La Cerda. This is a story of power, ruin, and palace secrets that changed the course of Spanish nobility.

The Origins of the Ducal House of Medinaceli

Founded in 1368 by the noble Don Juan de la Cerda, the Ducal House of Medinaceli was a bastion of noble power in Spain. Over the centuries, its members played crucial roles in the country's politics, rising as prominent figures at court. However, the history of the House of La Cerda began to crumble in the 18th century, when succession lines became uncertain and the extinction of its main branch seemed inevitable. In 1739, following the death of Don Luis de la Cerda, the duchy was left without direct heirs, opening the door to a power struggle that would culminate in the arrival of the Fernández de Córdoba.

The Intrigue of the Duchy: From La Cerda to Fernández de Córdoba

The arrival of the Fernández de Córdoba family to the Duchy of Medinaceli was not merely a fortuitous event. According to historical documents and chronicles of the time, the dynamics of Spanish nobility were marked by alliances, betrayals, and a fierce desire to inherit titles and lands. The Fernández de Córdoba family, already possessing considerable wealth and power, found themselves at the right time and place to claim what they considered theirs. In 1746, thanks to the decision of King Felipe V, the Fernández de Córdoba...