Alonso de Cárdenas

He was the father of García López de Cárdenas who discovered the Gran Cañón del Colorado, today known simply as the "Grand Canyon".

One of the captains under his command was Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, also known simply as the "Gran Capitan" for his considerable military exploits throughout Spain's European empire.

After the Battle of Albuera, Alonso singled out the Gran Capitan for praise stating that he had always seen the captain leading his troops from the front, a fact he was sure of due to the splendor of his armor.

Throughout his tenure as Grand Master, Alonso held his chapter meetings at Azuaga in the Chapel of San Sebastián which later became known as the Convento de la Merced.

Disputes also arose with Enrique de Guzmán, the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who in pursuit of the title of Grand Mastership, actively made war against Alonso and other members of the order.