Constança of Noronha (1404? – 1480)

Constança of Noronha was the daughter of Afonso – Count of Gijón and Noronha – and of Isabel – Lady of Viseu. She married Afonso – who came to be the Duke of Bragança – in July 1420. They moved into the Ducal Palace in Guimarães a few years later.

Without children and endowed with rare beauty and virtue, she soon dedicated herself to the humanitarian and religious causes, wearing the habit of St. Francis and providing support to the poor and sick throughout the region.

After the death of the Duke of Bragança in 1461, the first Duchess strengthened her commitment to assistance and religion, interchanging between spiritual retreat and helping the sick who she regularly sheltered.

By expressed wish, she is buried in the Church of S. Francisco in Guimarães, where the following epitaph can be read: “Alphonsi Ducis Hoc Conjux Constança Noronha Conditur in Tumulo” (Here lies Constança of Noronha, wife of Afonso the Duke).