Juan Vélaz de Medrano y Echauz

Merino of the Merindad of Estella
Juan Vélaz de Medrano y Echauz
Lord of Igúzquiza, Aguinano, Orendain, Zabala, Arróniz, and Learza
Coat of arms of Juan Vélaz de Medrano y Echauz
Merino of the Merindad of Estella
In office
16th century  Position abolished
Governor of the Castle of Santacara
In office
1500–1510
Governor of Monjardín Castle
In office
16th century  Position abolished
Governor of the Castle of Del Castillo
In office
16th century  Position abolished
Personal details
Born15th century
Palace of Vélaz de Medrano, Igúzquiza, Kingdom of Navarre
Died16th century
SpouseAna de Mauleon y Navarra
Relations
ChildrenJuan Vélaz de Medrano y Mauleon
Parents
  • Juan Vélaz de Medrano y Goñi (father)
  • Elvira de Echauz y Beaumont (mother)
Military service
AllegianceKingdom of Navarre
RankMajor Knight of Navarre, Merino of the Merindad of Estella
Battles/wars

Juan Vélaz de Medrano y Echauz (15th century –16th century) was a high ranking nobleman and military leader, serving as merino of the merindad of Estella during the final years of an independent Kingdom of Navarre. Head of the ancient House of Medrano in Navarre, the Vélaz de Medrano mayorazgo and the Palace of Vélaz de Medrano (Cabo de Armería), a ricohombre of Navarre, Lord of Igúzquiza, Aguinano, Orendain, Zabala, Arróniz, the 4th Lord of Learza and a descendant of Queen Joan II of Navarre and King Philip III of Navarre. He became the Alcaide (governor) of the castles of Del Castillo, Santacara, and Monjardin. Juan served as the Major Knight of King John III of Navarre and Henry II of Navarre. In 1524 the Lord of Igúzquiza accepted the general pardon issued by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor after the Spanish conquest of Navarre. Juan was a significant representative of the Agramontese faction, rivals of the Beaumontese.