Infanta Maria, Marchioness of Tortosa

Born into the esteemed House of Aviz, Infanta Maria of Portugal, whose name is pronounced [mɐˈɾiɐ] in Portuguese, began her life on April 6, 1342, in the historic city of Évora, then a vital center within the Kingdom of Portugal. As the firstborn daughter of King Peter I of Portugal and his respected Queen consort, Constanza Manuel, Maria held a significant position within the royal lineage, destined for a life intertwined with dynastic ambitions and political alliances across the Iberian Peninsula.

Family and Royal Lineage

Maria's father was King Peter I of Portugal, a monarch whose reign would later be marked by both stern justice and profound personal history. Her mother, Queen Constanza Manuel, hailed from a distinguished Castilian noble family, her lineage a testament to the intricate web of relationships among the Iberian aristocracies of the time. This strategic union between Peter and Constanza underscored the constant quest for stability and influence that characterized medieval European monarchies.

A Strategic Marriage and Life in Aragon

At the tender age of twelve, in 1354, Infanta Maria's destiny took a significant turn when she entered into a politically charged marriage with Fernando of Aragon, the Marquis of Tortosa. This matrimonial alliance was not a matter of personal choice but a carefully orchestrated diplomatic move by her paternal grandfather, King Afonso IV of Portugal. The primary objective was to reinforce the strategic bonds between the burgeoning Kingdom of Portugal and the powerful Crown of Aragon, a common practice to forge peace and mutual support in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Fernando, her husband, was himself a figure of considerable standing, being the son of King Alfonso IV of Aragon and his second wife, Eleanor of Castile. It is crucial for historical clarity to distinguish Maria's grandfather, Afonso IV of Portugal, from her father-in-law, Alfonso IV of Aragon, as both shared the same regnal number but ruled different Iberian kingdoms. As the Marquise of Tortosa, Maria would have experienced life within the Aragonese court, navigating its unique customs and political currents as a royal consort.

Tragedy, Return to Portugal, and Final Resting Place

However, her time as Fernando's wife was tragically cut short. In 1363, her husband, Fernando of Aragon, was brutally murdered by his half-brother, Peter IV of Aragon, also known as 'Peter the Ceremonious.' This act of fratricide was a stark reflection of the often-violent power struggles and dynastic rivalries that characterized medieval European monarchies, particularly within the Crown of Aragon at that time.

Following this devastating event, the widowed Maria returned to her homeland, Portugal, seeking solace and refuge. She lived out her remaining years in the coastal city of Aveiro, a place then known for its lagoons and salt pans. Her death occurred sometime after 1375. Today, Infanta Maria of Portugal rests in the venerable Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra, a site steeped in history and an important example of Gothic architecture, providing a lasting testament to her place within Portuguese royal history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Maria of Portugal's husband?
Maria of Portugal was married to Fernando of Aragon, who held the title of Marquis of Tortosa.
Why was Maria of Portugal's marriage arranged?
Her marriage to Fernando of Aragon was arranged by her paternal grandfather, King Afonso IV of Portugal, to strengthen the alliance between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Crown of Aragon, a common diplomatic strategy in medieval times.
Who were Maria of Portugal's parents?
Maria of Portugal was the first daughter of King Peter I of Portugal and his Queen consort, Constanza Manuel.
What happened to Maria of Portugal's husband?
Her husband, Fernando of Aragon, was murdered in 1363 by his half-brother, Peter IV of Aragon.
Where is Maria of Portugal buried?
Maria of Portugal is buried in the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra, Portugal.