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Illustration of Diego Rodríguez Lucero as an early 16th-century Castilian priest-inquisitor in dark clerical robes and black biretta, holding a scroll in a torch-lit vaulted stone corridor with hooded figures behind him
Cleric Early modern1492–1808

Diego Rodríguez Lucero

Died 1534

Also known as
Inquisitor Lucero, Lucero El Tenebroso, Lucero the Tenebroso

Diego Rodríguez Lucero was a priest and inquisitor of Castile, appointed to Córdoba on 7 September 1499 by Grand Inquisitor Diego Deza. He seems to have been born in Moguer, and he is better known by the nickname Lucero el Tenebroso, "the Dark One". Cisneros imprisoned and tried him in 1508. He was then allowed back to his post as a canon in Seville, where he died on 28 December 1534.

Córdoba keeps his trace in two places. His tribunal gave its address as Encarnación Street, very close to the Mezquita-Catedral. And in November 1506 the city's people stormed the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos to free more than 400 prisoners awaiting trial, while Lucero fled through a tunnel.

For the setting, read how the Alcázar became an Inquisition seat and what came before in the 1391 pogrom. For the trial and the 1504 auto-da-fé, read the full story.

The full story

Places to see

Gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with pools, fountains, and sculpted cypress trees
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

In their time

  1. Early modern

    1492–1808

    Córdoba's Jews were expelled in 1492 and the city settled into provincial life. The Mezquita's Renaissance nave was begun in 1523, and the arcades of Plaza de la Corredera date from the 17th century.

    1. Palacio de Orive

      1560 Monument

      Córdoba's finest Renaissance palace, designed by Hernán Ruiz II in 1560. Free courtyard, exhibition halls, and the only public gardens in the historic centre.

    2. Caballerizas Reales de Córdoba

      1568 Monument

      Philip II's 1568 Royal Stables, birthplace of the Andalusian horse. Evening show combining classical dressage, vaquera riding and flamenco. UNESCO heritage.

    3. Charles V

      1500–1558 Historical figure

      Charles V (1500-1558), Holy Roman Emperor, whose permission let a Renaissance nave rise in Córdoba's Mezquita (work began 1523). See where his trace remains.

    4. Luis de Góngora

      1561–1627 Historical figure

      Luis de Góngora, the Baroque poet born in Córdoba in 1561 and buried in the Mezquita-Catedral. Who he was and where to find his trace in Córdoba today.

    Undated

    1. Palacio Episcopal de Córdoba

      Monument

      Baroque palace facing the Mezquita, free with your entrance ticket. Diocesan Museum inside: 14 centuries of Córdoba art and a courtyard most visitors skip.

    2. Palacio de la Merced

      Monument

      18th-century baroque palace in Córdoba: former convent with gilded altarpieces, patios and Zurbarán paintings. Visits by written request, 15 days ahead.

    3. Palacio de Viana

      Monument

      Palacio de Viana, Córdoba: walk 12 Renaissance patios, a 7,000-volume library and Flemish tapestries. Tickets from €8.50, free entry Wednesdays 2 to 5pm.

    Go deeper

Read more

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos fortress in Córdoba, which served as headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition for 339 years
Córdoba's Alcázar as Inquisition HQ: 339 Years of Dark History
Narrow medieval streets of the Judería in Cordoba, Spain, whitewashed walls and iron lanterns at dusk, evoking the Jewish quarter where the 1391 pogrom took place, photorealistic warm evening light with long shadows
The 1391 Pogrom That Emptied Córdoba's Judería