Career
Between 1649 and 1669, he was Captain General of the Spanish Cavalry in the Spanish Netherlands, which was the third highest military position after Captain General and Governor of the Arms. In 1660, he was sent as representative of the Spanish King to the Royal court of Charles II of England as first foreign recognition of the newly restored English monarchy. He became Viceroy of Sicily (1670–1674), where he fortified the costal defences against Turkish pirates, who attacked the local population to abduct and sell them into slavery.
Later he was appointed Governor of the Duchy of Milan (1674–1678). lake in front of the castle.
Today the gardens are partially open to the public.
