The extravagance of the Medinaceli: parties that cost more than an army

The Medinaceli family, which dates back to the 15th century, is a symbol of opulence in the Spanish nobility. Since Don Luis de la Cerda was appointed Duke of Medinaceli in 1480, the dynasty accumulated vast territories, exceeding 200,000 hectares. Their festivities were so extravagant that their costs could rival those of an army, with banquets reaching over 100,000 maravedíes. Celebrations such as the Duke's wedding in 1596 at his palace highlighted the lavishness and splendor that characterized their life, although they eventually led to their decline.

December 8, 2025

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The Extravagance of the Medinaceli: Parties That Cost More Than an Army

In the history of Spanish nobility, few families have achieved the level of opulence and extravagance that characterized the Medinaceli. This dynasty, which dates back to the 15th century, not only wielded significant political power but also became synonymous with excess. The parties organized by the Medinaceli were so grand that their costs exceeded those of an entire army. Through this article, we will explore the astonishing luxurious life of the Medinaceli, their ties to other noble families, and how their splendor eventually gave way to inevitable decline.

The Medinaceli: Kings of Opulence

The House of Medinaceli originated in 1480, when Don Luis de la Cerda was granted the title of Duke of Medinaceli by the Catholic Monarchs. From that moment, the family established itself as one of the richest and most powerful in Spain. With estates covering vast expanses of land, it is said that at its peak, the Medinaceli owned over 200,000 hectares in Andalusia and other regions. This immense fortune allowed them to lead a lifestyle that defied imagination.

The banquets and festivities organized by the Medinaceli were spectacles of extravagance. According to the 16th-century chronicler Antonio de Nebrija, expenses for banquets could exceed 100,000 maravedíes, a sum that could finance a military expedition at the time. This same chronicler documented the ostentation of such celebrations, which included exotic dishes, such as pheasants and wild boars, served on gold and silver tableware bearing the dynasty's seal.

The Parties and Their Outrageous Costs

One of the most remembered events was the celebration of the Duke of Medinaceli's marriage in 1596. According to records from the time, the wedding took place at the Palace of Medinaceli, in the present-day city of the same name.