page_title: Catalina Micaela of Spain
section_title: Duchess consort of Savoy
hierarchical_section_title: Catalina Micaela of Spain / Duchess consort of Savoy
caption_attribution_description: Español: Retrato de la infanta Catalina Micaela de Austria (1567-1597), que fue hija del rey Felipe II de España y de la reina Isabel de Valois y esposa del duque Carlos Manuel I de Saboya.
context_page_description: Catalina Micaela of Spain was a duchess of Savoy who ruled the duchy as regent several times during the absence of her husband, Charles Emmanuel I. She was the younger surviving daughter of Philip II of Spain and Elisabeth of Valois.
context_section_description: Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy suggested that he should marry Catalina Micaela as a way of gaining Spanish support for his plans to expand Savoy on the coast of the then weakened France. The wedding took place in Zaragoza on 11 March 1585 and the couple made their entrance to Turin in Savoy 10 August 1585.
  Catalina Micaela was initially unpopular because of her arrogance and attempts to introduce Spanish pomp, ceremony and way of dress to the court in Turin. However, she soon gained respect because of her political and diplomatic skill, which she used to defend the autonomy of Savoy against Spain. She refused the Spanish offer to install a Spanish garrison in Turin from Milan with the excuse of giving her a life guard. She is reported to have had great influence on Charles Emmanuel I and to have reformed him for the better. She also served as regent several times during the absence of the duke on military campaigns, such as during the Lyon campaign in 1594. Catherine Michelle also benefited cultural life in Savoy, founded many new buildings including an art gallery. Due to her influence, her sons were educated in Spain.
  Catalina Micaela died near the end of 1597; she had miscarried earlier that year. Her father died the following year.
caption: Catherine as Duchess of Savoy
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