Filipa Moniz Perestrelo

Filipa Moniz Perestrelo was a Portuguese noblewoman who lived a long time ago. She was born around the year 1455 and came from Porto Santo Island, which is part of the Madeira archipelago in Portugal.

In 1479, Filipa married a very famous explorer named Christopher Columbus. Their wedding took place in a place called Vila Baleira on Porto Santo Island.

Even though she lived many years ago, Filipa is remembered because of her connection to Christopher Columbus, who later made big voyages across the oceans. Not much is known about her life, but she was an important part of history because of who she married.

History

Filipa Moniz Perestrelo was the daughter of Isabel Moniz and Bartolomeu Perestrello. Before she married, she was one of twelve important members known as Comendadoras at the Monastery of All Saints in Lisbon, part of the Military Order of St. James.

Filipa married Christopher Columbus in 1479. Some think this happened because Filipa was about 25 years old and her mother was happy to welcome a new son-in-law without needing a large payment. Others believe she needed special permission to marry because of her role in the Order of Santiago. From this marriage, their son Diego Columbus was born. He later became an important leader in the Indies and married into royalty.

Not much is known about what happened to Filipa after her marriage. Scholars believe she passed away sometime between 1478 and 1484. She was buried in the Capela da Piedade (Chapel of Piety) at the Carmo Convent in Lisbon.