Medina-Sidonia, one of Spain's most important ducal seats in the 15th century, produced an admiral, Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia, who led the Spanish Armada against England in 1588.

The title of Duque de Medina Sidonia was bestowed upon the family of Guzmán El Bueno for his valiant role in taking the town.

The line continues and was led until March 2008 by the controversial socialist Luisa Isabel Álvarez de Toledo, 21st Duchess of Medina Sidonia (born 1936).

[4] In 712, the town was conquered by the Muslim commander Musa ibn Nusayr, and became the capital of the province of Sidonia in the emirate of Spain.

[5] It returned to Christian hands with Alfonso X of Castile, in 1264, becoming a stronghold along the frontier with the last Muslim country in the Iberian Peninsula, the Kingdom of Granada.