The III Duke of Feria, governor of Milan, 1618-1626 and 1631-1633

Abstract

Don Gomez Suárez de Figueroa, III Duke of Feria, instructed from his youth by his father to serve the monarchy, lived his most glorious days during two mandates heading the government of Milan, during which he managed to strengthen the Spanish influence in Northern Italy, and in its operations in Alsace. He also held office as viceroy of Valencia and the Principality of Cataluña and was member of the State Council. His position in foreign politics was more aggressive and warmongering than the Count-Duke of Olivares. He is considered to be one of the last skilled military rulers of the Spanish Empire; his intervention in La Valtelina in favor of the Catholics and against the protestant Grisons, during his first mandate as Governor and Captain General of Milan, and the successful operations leading the Army of Alsace in the liberation of the fortifications of Breisach, Constance and Rheinfelden, shortly before his death, give evidence of this.