The Velasco and the Catholic Monarchs: the alliance that changed the fate of Spain.

The Velasco family, an influential noble family from Castile in the 15th century, played a crucial role in the history of Spain by aligning themselves with the Catholic Monarchs. Their connection with Isabella I and Ferdinand II strengthened after their marriage in 1469, allowing them to accumulate power and wealth. Don Íñigo de Velasco, Admiral of Castile, stood out as a close ally, contributing to the consolidation of the Crown. However, this alliance was also marked by ambition and the pursuit of power, which eventually and paradoxically led to their decline.

December 8, 2025

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The Velasco Family and the Catholic Monarchs: The Alliance that Changed the Fate of Spain

The history of Spain is marked by unexpected alliances, brutal betrayals, and families that have left an indelible mark on its course. Among the protagonists of this story are the Velasco family, a noble lineage that, in the context of the Catholic Monarchs, became a pillar of power on the Iberian Peninsula. How was this alliance forged? What consequences did it have on the fate of a nation? Let us discover together the rise and fall of the Velasco family, who, with their extreme wealth and ostentatious lifestyle, faced ruin in their quest for power.

The Origins of the Velasco Family: Nobility and Power

The Velasco family, originating from the region of Castile, established itself as one of the most influential noble houses of the 15th century. Their lineage traces back to the early kings of Castile, where the Velasco family aligned themselves with the Crown during critical moments, thus gaining land and titles. Documents from the National Historical Archive reveal that in 1474, when Isabella I of Castile ascended to the throne, the Velasco family was already a powerful house with a heritage that included extensive properties in Burgos and considerable influence at court.

The most notable member of the Velasco family during this period was Don Íñigo de Velasco, who held the position of Admiral of Castile and was a close ally of the Catholic Monarchs. His relationship with Isabella and Ferdinand was solidified after the union of the monarchs, a fact that, according to chroniclers of the time, created a "united front" that would change the destiny of the kingdom. But was it truly a mutually beneficial alliance, or was there an underlying motive of calculation and ambition?

The Alliance with the Catholic Monarchs: Grandeur at Court

The marriage between Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 was a milestone, but the participation of the Velasco family in this process was crucial. It is said that whispers at court suggested that the...