John IV of Portugal 1604 – 1656

Biography

John IV of Portugal was born on March 19, 1604, in the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, entering a world of privilege and dynastic responsibility. He would go on to serve as King of Portugal from 1640 until his death in 1656, a reign that proved pivotal in his nation’s history during a transformative period in European affairs.

After spending fifty-two years in service to his kingdom, John IV passed away on November 6, 1656, at the Ribeira Palace. His life spanned the early decades of the seventeenth century, a time of significant change across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Though the specific circumstances of his death remain unrecorded, his passing marked the end of an important chapter in Portuguese monarchy.

John IV was laid to rest at the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in São Vicente, Portugal, a final resting place befitting his royal station. His burial site has endured as a testament to his legacy and place within Portugal’s enduring historical record.