Fernández de Córdoba: The Family That Inherited the Duchy After the Extinction of the Cerda

The history of the Ducal House of Medinaceli is marked by tales of grandeur and decline, of power and ruin. At the center of this narrative is the Fernández de Córdoba family, who became the heirs to the duchy after the extinction of the Cerda. This article reveals the palace secrets, political intrigues, and surprises that surround this Spanish nobility as we explore their rise and the challenges they faced in a context of change and conflict.

The Origins of the Ducal House of Medinaceli

The Ducal House of Medinaceli was founded in 1368, during the reign of Peter I of Castile, who granted the duchy to Don García Álvarez de Toledo. For centuries, this nobility established itself as one of the most influential in Spain, amassing vast tracts of land and considerable wealth. However, the fortune of the House of La Cerda, which had served as one of the most prominent branches of the nobility, began to crumble over time.

By the 18th century, the lineage of the Cerda was in decline, and its fall was imminent. In 1773, with the death of Francisco de La Cerda y Arias de Miranda, the duchy became vacant, and the future of this prestigious house was at stake. It was then that the Fernández de Córdoba emerged as the new heirs, a story woven with shades of mystery and tension.

The Arrival of the Fernández de Córdoba

The Fernández de Córdoba were not complete strangers in the Spanish nobility landscape. This family, with a lineage that traces back to the Reconquista, had always been linked to the court and played a crucial role in the political events of their time. However, the true opportunity for their rise came with the...