1526 · 2026
500 YEARS
ROYAL MARRIAGE
CHARLES V
ISABEL of
PORTUGAL
In 1526, the marriage of Isabel of Portugal to Charles V was celebrated – a union that sealed one of the most significant dynastic alliances of the sixteenth century. Daughter of Manuel I of Portugal and MarÍa of Aragon, Isabel was born in Lisboa in 1503, at the Palace OF THE Alcáçova (Castelo de São Jorge). In January 1526, she departed from Portugal for Castile to become Empress of the Holy Roman Empire and Queen of Castile and of Aragon.
This marriage strengthened political ties, consolidated Atlantic interests, and projected Portuguese influence on the European stage. Commemorating the 500th anniversary of this union is an opportunity to revisit a decisive moment in Iberian history, shaped by diplomacy, strategy, and symbolism. Throughout this event, we evoke the figure of the Infanta, the significance of the marriage, and the journey that led her from Almeirim to Elvas, towards the raia (the frontier zone between the kingdoms of Portugal and Castile), accompanied by a large retinue, in a voyage that traversed territories, cultures, and expectations, and continued onwards to Seville.
ISABEL OF PORTUGAL
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE INFANTA
Born in 1503, Isabel of Portugal grew up at the Portuguese court, in an environment of great erudition and profound religiosity. Educated according to the humanist ideals of the Renaissance, she distinguished herself through her intelligence, discretion, and a strong sense of duty. Her education included languages, music, and governance, preparing her for State responsibilities. In 1526, upon marrying Charles V, she assumed a central role in European politics.
During the emperor’s absences, she governed as regent, demonstrating prudence and firmness. She became the mother of Felipe II, thereby ensuring dynastic continuity. Her actions contributed to the stability of the Hispanic territories during a period of intense transformations. Remembered as a learned and virtuous empress, Isabel embodies the international projection of Portugal in the sixteenth century and stands as a remarkable example of female leadership in Renaissance Europe.
A MARRIAGE
THAT CHANGED EUROPE
The marriage between Isabel of Portugal and Charles V was arranged in the context of the complex European alliances of the early-sixteenth century. More than an affective union, it was a political strategy designed to strengthen ties between Portugal and the vast array of territories ruled by the emperor. The ceremony took place in 1526, following diplomatic negotiations. The marriage represented the consolidation of dynastic bonds between two transcontinental empires, both distinct in their organisation and spheres of influence, yet sharing common strategic interests. Beyond its political dimension, the relationship appears to have been marked by mutual complicity and respect, frequently noted in correspondence and in the public acknowledgment of the empress’s value. The celebration of the 500th anniversary of this union invites reflection on the enduring impact of this alliance on Iberian and European history.
The journey
of the Infanta
TO THE RAIA
The departure of Isabel of Portugal for Castile marked the beginning of a symbolic and transformative journey. Upon leaving Portugal, the Infanta traversed territories where she was received with assured enthusiasm. Each stage reinforced the political significance of the journey that would lead her to meet Charles V. More than a geographical passage, it was the transition from a Portuguese princess to a European empress.
ALMEIRIM
30.01.1526
CHAMUSCA
BETWEEN 30.01 AND 03.02.1526
PONTE DE SOR
BETWEEN 30.01 AND 03.02.1526
ALTER DO CHÃO
BETWEEN 30.01 AND 03.02.1526
MONFORTE
04.02.1526
ELVAS
05.02.1526
BRIDGE OVER THE CAIA RIVER
07.02.1526
BADAJOZ
08.02.1526
LERENA
22.02.1526
CANTILLANA
01.03.1526
SEVILLE
03.03.1526
Mapa histórico de Portugal (c. 1560; edição de c. 1616)
Este mapa é uma reprodução digital da edição publicada em Amesterdão por Jodocus Hondius, cerca de 1616, baseada no original de Fernando Álvares Seco (c. 1560), posteriormente revisto em 1600.
Como é característico da cartografia da época, o mapa apresenta imprecisões na representação das distâncias, proporções e localização de alguns elementos.
On 24 October 1503, Infanta Isabel of Portugal, the second daughter of King Manuel I and his second wife, Queen María of Aragon, was born at the Royal Palace of the Alcáçova, next to the Castelo de São Jorge, in Lisbon.
LISBOA
FORMER ROYAL PALACE OF THE ALCÁÇOVA
In Chamusca, a town closely associated with the riverside landscape of the Tejo and the fertile plains of Ribatejo, the passage of the royal retinue is likely to have prompted reactions of enthusiasm and acclaim. The rural setting would have contrasted with the grandeur of the entourage, making this stage particularly symbolic. It represented the connection between the everyday life of the kingdom and the international projection that the marriage would bring.
CHAMUSCA
CHURCH OF São BrÁs
Monforte, with its medieval heritage and proximity to the defensive frontier line, represented a stage of considerable strategic significance. The reception of the Infanta likely included gestures of recognition and formal acknowledgement. The atmosphere of transition became increasingly evident, as the moment drew near when she would leave Portuguese territory definitively. Here, the historical weight of the mission that was leading Isabel to meet her husband was already felt.
MONFORTE
ROMAN BRIDGE OVER THE MONFORTE RIVER
Between the Cortes of
Torres Novas
and the journey to the frontier
In Torres Novas, a decisive moment in the marital process took place: the approval, in the Cortes, of the dowry intended for Isabel of Portugal. There, the financial and political commitment associated with the marriage to Charles V was formally established. This deliberation conferred institutional legitimacy on the union and underscored its strategic importance. Torres Novas thus became associated with one of the most significant preparatory acts of this marriage.
TORRES NOVAS
chruch of São Pedro
Ponte de Sor marked the gradual approach to the frontier and to the plains of the northeastern region of the comarca de Entre-Tejo-e-Odiana. A place of passage and of crossroads, it welcomed the Infanta in an atmosphere of expectation and respect. The ceremonies, at which fine wines were served, reinforced the sense historical mission of the journey. The open landscape and broad horizons already evoked the transition into new territories, highlighting the irreversible character of the departure towards the frontier of the Caia.
PONTE DE SOR
TOWN ENTRANCE VIA THE BRIDGE SIDE
The last major stop on Portuguese soil, Elvas played a central role in the farewell. A fortified stronghold and a key point on the frontier, it symbolised both the protection of the kingdom and the passage into Castile. The ceremonies were particularly moving, bringing together civil, military, and religious authorities. A few kilometres from Elvas, on the bridge over the Caia River, the transition was completed: the Infanta left Portugal to become Empress, carrying with her the memory and identity of her homeland.
ELVAS
CAStle of ELVAS
It was at the Royal Palace of Almeirim that the marriage by proxy between Isabel of Portugal and Charles V was celebrated. Marked by considerable symbolic and diplomatic ceremony, this rite formalised the union prior to the meeting of the spouses. Upon completion of this ritual – a moment that reaffirmed Portuguese identity before the definitive farewell – the retinue departed, accompanying the Infanta towards Castile and her new imperial destiny. Almeirim, which provided a setting of profound symbolic significance, thus became the starting point of the route that would take the Infanta to the raia.
ALMEIRIM
FORMER ROYAL PALACE OF Almeirim
In Alter do Chão, a town shaped by rural traditions and horse breeding, the presence of the retinue took on particular solemnity. Associated with ancient lineages and to Alentejo culture, the town took part in the celebrations that marked the journey. This point of the itinerary reinforced the symbolic dimension of the route: each locality contributed to the collective farewell to Isabel.
ALTER DO CHÃO
CASTle of ALTER DO CHÃO
LISBOA
FORMER ROYAL PALACE OF THE ALCÁÇOVA
On 24 October 1503, Infanta Isabel of Portugal, the second daughter of King Manuel I and his second wife, Queen María of Aragon, was born at the Royal Palace of the Alcáçova, next to the Castelo de São Jorge, in Lisbon.
TORRES NOVAS
Church of São Pedro
In Torres Novas, a decisive moment in the marital process took place: the approval, in the Cortes, of the dowry intended for Isabel of Portugal. There, the financial and political commitment associated with the marriage to Charles V was formally established. This deliberation conferred institutional legitimacy on the union and underscored its strategic importance. Torres Novas thus became associated with one of the most significant preparatory acts of this marriage.
ALMEIRIM
FORMER ROYAL PALACE OF ALMEIRIM
It was at the Royal Palace of Almeirim that the marriage by proxy between Isabel of Portugal and Charles V was celebrated. Marked by considerable symbolic and diplomatic ceremony, this rite formalised the union prior to the meeting of the spouses. Upon completion of this ritual – a moment that reaffirmed Portuguese identity before the definitive farewell – the retinue departed, accompanying the Infanta towards Castile and her new imperial destiny. Almeirim, which provided a setting of profound symbolic significance, thus became the starting point of the route that would take the Infanta to the raia.
CHAMUSCA
Church of São Bras
In Chamusca, a town closely associated with the riverside landscape of the Tejo and the fertile plains of Ribatejo, the passage of the royal retinue is likely to have prompted reactions of enthusiasm and acclaim. The rural setting would have contrasted with the grandeur of the entourage, making this stage particularly symbolic. It represented the connection between the everyday life of the kingdom and the international projection that the marriage would bring.
PONTE DE SOR
TOWN ENTRANCE FROM THE BRIDGE
Ponte de Sor marked the gradual approach to the frontier and to the plains of the northeastern region of the comarcade Entre-Tejo-e-Odiana. A place of passage and of crossroads, it welcomed the Infanta in an atmosphere of expectation and respect. The ceremonies, at which fine wines were served, reinforced the sense historical mission of the journey. The open landscape and broad horizons already evoked the transition into new territories, highlighting the irreversible character of the departure towards the frontier of the Caia.
ALTER DO CHÃO
Castle of Alter do Chão
In Alter do Chão, a town shaped by rural traditions and horse breeding, the presence of the retinue took on particular solemnity. Associated with ancient lineages and to Alentejo culture, the town took part in the celebrations that marked the journey. This point of the itinerary reinforced the symbolic dimension of the route: each locality contributed to the collective farewell to Isabel.
MONFORTE
TOWN ENTRANCE VIA THE BRIDGE SIDE
Monforte, with its medieval heritage and proximity to the defensive frontier line, represented a stage of considerable strategic significance. The reception of the Infanta likely included gestures of recognition and formal acknowledgement. The atmosphere of transition became increasingly evident, as the moment drew near when she would leave Portuguese territory definitively. Here, the historical weight of the mission that was leading Isabel to meet her husband was already felt.
ELVAS
Castle of Elvas
The last major stop on Portuguese soil, Elvas played a central role in the farewell. A fortified stronghold and a key point on the frontier, it symbolised both the protection of the kingdom and the passage into Castile. The ceremonies were particularly moving, bringing together civil, military, and religious authorities. A few kilometres from Elvas, on the bridge over the Caia River, the transition was completed: the Infanta left Portugal to become Empress, carrying with her the memory and identity of her homeland.
TRIBUTE
EVENTS
11 — 19 apRIL and 9 October 2026
Guided tour | Lecture
Infanta Isabel in the Alcáçova (Citadel) of Lisbon
11 April 2026 | 14:00
Lisboa · Castelo de São Jorge
Cultural and scientific session including a guided visit to the Monument and a lecture dedicated to the theme «Nunca faças a guerra a Portugal!» (Never make war on Portugal!), with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking the historical event at the Castelo de São Jorge.
LECTURE | MUSIC
INFANTA ISABEL IN TORRES NOVAS
12 April 2026 | 16:00
Torres Novas · Biblioteca Municipal Gustavo Pinto Lopes
Commemorative programme featuring a thematic lecture on the historical context of the imperial marriage, accompanied by a musical performance. This initiative seeks to present the political and cultural atmosphere of the early-16th century, bringing the public closer to historical memory.
Commemorative session | Lecture | Exhibition
The former Royal Palace of Almeirim
13 April 2026 | 14:00
Almeirim · Antiga Igreja do Divino Espírito Santo de Almeirim
Evocative session including an official reception, lectures and cultural moments, around the historical events related to the former Royal Palace of Almeirim, including a brief historical evocation, presentation of local folklore and a visit to an exhibition on the historical cartography of Almeirim.
Colloquium | Guided tour
«O Matrimónio da Infanta D. Isabel de Portugal com o Imperador Carlos V: Histórias e Vivências» (The Marriage of Infanta Isabel of Portugal to Emperor Charles V: Stories and Experiences)
14 April 2026 | 09:30
Chamusca · Edifício São Francisco
Multidisciplinary Colloquium dedicated to the 500 Years of the Marriage of Isabel of Portugal to Charles V, bringing together specialists in history, art history, architecture and music to reflect on the political, cultural and diplomatic context of this matrimony, concluding with a guided tour at the Parish Church of São Brás of Chamusca.
Lecture | Exhibition
«La prometida del Emperador debe de ser hermosísima» (The Emperor’s betrothed must be most beautiful)
15 April 2026 | 16:00
Ponte de Sor · Centro de Artes e Cultura
Lecture dedicated to portraits and images Isabel of Portugal, contextualising artistic production of the Renaissance and its iconographic codes, accompanied by an exhibition of works by students of the Arts Course of the Secondary School of Ponte de Sor, reinterpreting some 16th-century portraits of Infanta Isabel of Portugal.
Presentation of the Foral | Historical reenactment
The Entry of Infanta Isabel into Alter do Chão
16 April 2026 | 15:00
Alter do Chão · Castelo de Alter do Chão
Presentation of the Foral granted by King D. Manuel to the town of Alter do Chão, held at the Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, followed by a historical reenactment of the ceremonial entry of Isabel of Portugal into Alter do Chão, near the Castle, with music and dances from the Renaissance period.
Historical reenactment | Exhibition | Theatre | Cinema
«Pegadas na História: A Infanta D. Isabel em Monforte» (Footprints in History: Infanta Isabel in Monforte)
17 April 2026 | All day
Monforte · Paços do Concelho · Praça da República · Centro de Educação, Formação e Universidade Sénior
Cultural programme evoking the splendour of the Renaissance, celebrating the passage of Isabel of Portugal through Monforte, including welcoming ceremony, a historical parade, a banquet featuring regional gastronomy, Gil Vicente-style theatre, Renaissance dances, a visual arts exhibition and historical cinema.
Lecture
«La estancia de Isabel de Portugal en Badajoz de camino a los esponsales con el emperador Carlos V» (The stay of Isabel of Portugal in Badajoz on the way to her betrothal with Emperor Charles V)
17 April 2026 | 18:30
Badajoz · Espacio Cultural Santa Catalina
Lecture by Professor Carlos Belloso on the stay of Isabel of Portugal in Badajoz during her journey to Seville for her marriage to Charles V.
Historical reenactment
Arrival of Infanta Isabel in Elvas
18 April 2026 | 11:00 – 22:30
Elvas · Portas de Olivença · Rua de Olivença · Rua da Carreira · Praça da República · Rua João Pereira de Abreu · Rua dos Quartéis · Parada do Castelo · Castelo de Elvas
Historical reenactment evoking the arrival of Isabel of Portugal in Elvas, as part of the commemorations of her marriage to Charles V. The programme includes a royal procession through the streets of the city – beginning at the Porta de Olivença (Olivença Gate) –, historical performances greeting the Infanta, a royal banquet, dances and a court ball, recreating the political and ceremonial atmosphere of the 16th century.
Historical reenactment
Handover of Infanta Isabel in Badajoz
19 April 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00
Badajoz · Ponte de Palmas · Portas de Palmas · Catedral de San Juan Bautista
Historical staging of the formal handover of Isabel of Portugal to the Spanish retinue, evoking the diplomatic moment that sealed her union with Emperor Charles V. The programme includes a solemn procession from the Hornwork of Ponte de Palmas to the Cathedral of Badajoz, official receptions and a royal ceremony with chamber music and dance.
Release of a commemorative stamp
Isabel of Portugal, Empress of the Holy Roman Empire
9 October 2026
Lisboa · Fundação Portuguesa das Comunicações/Museu das Comunicações
On World Post Day, marking the conclusion of the commemorations of the 500 Years of the Marriage of Isabel of Portugal to Charles V, a commemorative stamp dedicated to the Empress will be issued by the Portuguese post service (CTT – Correios de Portugal, S. A.).
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500 YEARS
ROYAL MARRIAGE
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