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Matilda of Savoy, Queen of Portugal
Queen Matilda I, also known as Mafalda or Matilde,
played a significant role in the history of Portugal as the wife of King Afonso
Henriques, the first sovereign of Portugal. Born around 1125, Matilda's noble
lineage and her marriage to the king marked a pivotal moment in the country's
early years.
Queen Matilda passed away on December 3, 1157 or 1158
in Coimbra. She was laid to rest at the Monastery of Santa Cruz, where her
husband would later join her in eternal rest. Matilda left behind six of her
seven children, three of whom—Sancho, Urraca, and Theresa—reached adulthood and
played significant roles in the future of Portugal.
Queen Matilda's influence and her enduring legacy as a
devoted queen consort continue to shape the historical narrative of Portugal's
early years. Her contributions to religion, philanthropy, and the royal lineage
make her a figure worthy of admiration and study in the annals of Portuguese
history.
