Duke of Maqueda

Bernardino de Cárdenas y Portugal, 3rd Duke of Maqueda and 2nd Marquis of Elche (Torrijos, January 20, 1553 – Palermo, December 17, 1601), was an influential Spanish diplomat. He served as Viceroy of Catalonia from 1592 to 1596 and as Viceroy of Sicily from 1598 until his death. The main street in the historic center of Palermo bears his name. Recognized as a skilled administrator, he strengthened the island's fleet to confront Barbary corsairs and protect the coasts from attacks. He died from the plague, apparently contracted from a cargo seized from a corsair ship.