Medieval Room: Don Álvaro de Luna

Don Álvaro de Luna was born in Cañete (Cuenca). He held the titles of Condestable of Castile and Grand Master of the Order of Santiago, making him one of the most powerful men of his time.
His political career began with his decisive involvement in the significant events of July 1420, known as the "Tordesillas coup," led by the Infante of Aragon, Enrique. Don Álvaro stood by the side of the king and received various privileges, including several towns, the title of Condestable of Castile, and the Chamber of the Linen, which greatly increased his wealth. However, this also led to negative consequences, including ongoing conflicts with the Infantes of Aragon and parts of the Castilian nobility.
For Don Álvaro, it was essential to engage in armed confrontations that would definitively remove the Infantes from Castilian politics. Several battles took place in which he displayed extraordinary courage and personal skill, such as the capture of Trujillo Castle and the siege of Alburquerque Castle. In any case, the political decline of the Infantes occurred, and in February 1430, the Council, led by Álvaro de Luna, decided on a general confiscation of their assets, which were distributed among the ruling oligarchy.

On January 27, 1431, he married Juana Pimentel, the daughter of Rodrigo Alfonso Pimentel, Count of Benavente, thus placing himself at the heart of the highest aristocracy of the time. They had two children, Juan and María.
Over the next 20 years, Don Álvaro's life, along with his wife and descendants, was a continuous power struggle, in favor of King Juan II and himself. His possessions and power grew, making him a very visible figure and an enemy to many noble families of the time who sought the favor of the king or the Prince of Asturias, who later became Enrique IV.
In 1451, Don Álvaro seemed to be in control of the situation in Castile, but his situation became increasingly precarious. In the following months, he managed to survive several assassination attempts, and betrayal was lurking closer than he thought. The death of Juan II's accountant, Alfonso Pérez de Vivero, accused of treason by Don Álvaro, would be the excuse that Juan II finally used to execute his trusted companion of nearly 40 years.
On June 2, 1453, Don Álvaro de Luna, Grand Master of the Order of Santiago, Condestable of Castile, and favorite of King Juan II, as well as one of the most significant historical figures of the 15th century, was beheaded in Valladolid on charges of "usurping royal functions." His severed head was displayed on the scaffold for a week, and his remains rest for eternity alongside those of his wife, Doña Juana de Pimentel, in their chapel in the Cathedral of Toledo.