The Tragic Death of the Infante Don Pedro

The story of infante don Pedro takes us to medieval Segovia in the 14th century. His tragic death, the mystery surrounding his remains, and a recent discovery have made his story one of the most well-known and fascinating.

On July 22, 1366, don Pedro Enríquez was in the care of his nurse at the Alcázar of Segovia and, according to legend, he accidentally fell from one of the fortress balconies. Immediately afterward, his caretaker also leapt to her death, overcome by despair and panic.

On August 25, 1558, when the construction of the new cathedral was already well underway, the remains of the Infante and other notable figures were transferred. A tomb was designed in the center of the Chapel of Santa Catalina to house the remains of Pedro Enríquez, protected by a grille.

In November 2019, the tomb was opened during restoration work. Inside, a small chest was found containing three bones of the Infante, as well as medieval garments of great artistic value.

The skeletal remains underwent an anthropological study, which determined that the infante was around one year old at the time of his death and may have suffered from rickets.

The infante’s garments, a unique 14th-century textile ensemble, were restored. They consist of a long tunic, a buttoned tunic, and a doublet, as well as a fragment that held the three bones rolled up.

Currently, the garments and a 3D reproduction of the three bones found are on display in the Santa Catalina hall, directly opposite the tomb of Infante don Pedro.