Eleonora Gonzaga (1630–1686)

Eleonora Gonzaga (Mantua, 18 November 1630 – Vienna, 6 December 1686) was Holy Roman Empress, German Queen, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary, and Queen of Bohemia as the third wife of Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor. She was a member of the House of Gonzaga and daughter of Charles II, Duke of Nevers, and Maria Gonzaga.

Eleonora married Ferdinand III in Vienna on 30 April 1651. The marriage was performed to cement the Habsburgs' relationship with the Duchy of Mantua. Eleonora was considered highly pious and intelligent. She had a significant influence on her husband, especially in religious matters. During her reign as Empress, she supported various religious orders and charitable institutions.

Eleonora and Ferdinand III had four children:

• Theresia Maria Josepha (27 March 1652 – 26 July 1653)
• Eleonora Maria Josefa (31 May 1653 – 17 December 1697), married first Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, and secondly Charles V, Duke of Lorraine.
• Maria Anna Josepha (20 December 1654 – 4 April 1689), married Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatine.
• Ferdinand Joseph Aloysius (11 February 1657 – 16 June 1658)

Ferdinand III died in 1657, leaving Eleonora a widow. She never remarried. Eleonora spent her remaining years focusing on piety and charitable works, establishing a Carmelite convent in Vienna, where she lived until her death in 1686.