Jump to content

Draft:Vimercati (family)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Vimercati family is a historic noble lineage from Lombardy, originating from the city of Vimercate in the Brianza region. The family played a significant role in Lombard history starting from the Middle Ages and maintained political, economic, and religious influence throughout the region for centuries. [1]

Origins and History

[edit]

The Vimercati family is of ancient noble stock, with records dating back to the early 11th century, notably with a member named Arialdo in 1021. Over the centuries, the family distinguished itself in political and military roles in Lombardy. In 1088, Algiso Vimercati was appointed vavasour by Emperor Henry IV, strengthening the family's ties to the Holy Roman Empire.[1][citation needed]

One of the most illustrious members was Pinamonte da Vimercate,[2] who served as consul of Milan twice, in 1171 and 1183, pivotal years for the city's history. During his consulship, Milan was rebuilt after its destruction in 1162 by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and in 1183, he participated in the signing of the Peace of Constance, which granted autonomy to the Lombard communes from imperial power. Pinamonte also served as podestà of Bologna in 1176, extending his influence beyond Lombardy.[2]

His son, Guido Vimercati, followed in his father's footsteps, holding significant positions. He was consul of Milan in 1192 and 1224 and served as podestà in Vicenza in 1195 and Bologna in 1196. The Vimercati family was officially recognized among the ancient Milanese nobility in 1277, maintaining a prominent role in the city. Among the family's privileges was the right to elect the ordinary canons of the church of Milan.

The family's connection to the city of Vimercate, from which it derives its name, is historically documented. Entrusted with the captaincy of the pieve of Vimercate, the Vimercati were always counted among the episcopal feudal lords, while actively participating in the political life of the commune of Milan.[1]

Gaspare Vimercati (1410-1467), a descendant of the noble family, was an influential Milanese politician and military commander, associated with Francesco Sforza and the Visconti, as his family served Filippo Maria Visconti. He participated in numerous military campaigns and played a key role in the capture of Milan in 1450, contributing to the end of the Ambrosian Republic. For his contributions, he was appointed Count of Valenza[3] and became a close collaborator of the Sforza family, managing ducal finances and founding the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.[4]

Titles and Holdings

[edit]

Over the centuries, several members of the family were granted noble titles, including those of counts and marquises. The Vimercati owned numerous lands and properties, including the Palazzo Vimercati in Milan, one of the most notable examples of their architectural heritage. The palace, located on Via Carlo Ottavio Cornaggia, is a symbol of the family's power and wealth in the Lombard capital.[5]

Relationships and Marriages

[edit]

The Vimercati family further consolidated its status through marriages with other noble Lombard houses. Among these, it is worth mentioning the marriage that took place in 1738, a member of the Vimercati family married into the Bonzi family, Counts of Serio, a distinguished noble family from the city of Crema. This marriage was strategically important for strengthening ties between the families and reinforcing the Vimercati's position in the region.[6]

Another important marriage took place in 1855 in Rome when Giovanni Vimercati married Maria Luisa Carlotta of Bourbon-Parma, a member of the prestigious Bourbon royal house. This union further strengthened the family's prestige and status, reinforcing the Vimercati’s ties with European nobility and highlighting their prominent role in 19th-century Italian aristocracy.[7]

Ecclesiastical Ties

[edit]

Several members of the Vimercati family held prominent positions in the ecclesiastical sphere as well. Some family members were appointed bishops and abbots, thereby increasing the family's influence not only politically but also religiously. Their presence in Lombardy's ecclesiastical institutions was constant and significant, helping to solidify their image as a moral and spiritual authority.[1][5]

Decline

[edit]

Like many other noble families, the Vimercati began to lose part of their influence with the advent of new forms of government and the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The nobility gradually lost its privileges and power, and the Vimercati also found themselves having to scale back their political and economic influence.[1]

Vimercati-Sanseverino Branch

[edit]

A branch of the family, the Vimercati-Sanseverino, was formed through the union with the noble Sanseverino family. This branch continued to play a significant role in the political and social life of Lombardy until the 19th century.[5]

Palaces and Architectures

[edit]

One of the most notable examples of the Vimercati family's presence is the Palazzo Vimercati in Milan, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. This building remains a symbol of the family's prestige and its role in Milanese society.[1][5]

List of Notable Members

[edit]
  • Arialdo Vimercati (11th century): One of the earliest known members of the family, mentioned in documents from 1021.[5]
  • Algiso Vimercati (11th century): In 1088, he was a vassal of Emperor Henry IV, strengthening the connection between the Vimercati family and the Holy Roman Empire.[1]
  • Pinamonte da Vimercati (12th century – after 1183): Consul of Milan in 1171 and 1183, during a key period for the city following its destruction by Frederick Barbarossa in 1162 and the subsequent Peace of Constance (1183). He also served as podestà of Bologna in 1176.[2]
  • Guido Vimercati (12th-13th century): Son of Pinamonte, he was consul of Milan in 1192 and 1224. He also held the positions of podestà of Vicenza (1195) and podestà of Bologna (1196), confirming the family's political influence in various northern Italian cities.[5]
  • Gaspare da Vimercati (15th century – 1467): A military leader and advisor to Duke Francesco Sforza, he participated in the conquest of Milan in 1450, contributing to the fall of the Ambrosian Republic. In 1452, he was appointed Count of Valenza and became responsible for the duchy's finances.[5]
  • Sermone Vimercati (the Younger) (16th century): In 1528, he married Ippolita Sanseverino, uniting the fortunes of the two families and establishing the branch of the Vimercati Sanseverino.[5]
  • Lodovico Vimercati (17th century): A military officer who served first in the Duchy of Savoy and later in the Republic of Venice, distinguishing himself in various wars of the period.[5]
  • Faustino Vimercati (1801-1878): A patriot and conspirator, he participated in the Italian Risorgimento. After the unification of Italy, he became a senator of the Kingdom of Italy.[5]
  • Alfonso Vimercati (1836-1907): Son of Faustino, he followed in his father’s footsteps and also served as a senator of the Kingdom of Italy.[5]
  • Ottaviano Vimercati (1815-1879): A military officer and diplomat, he was a trusted associate of Camillo Benso di Cavour. He served as a special envoy of the Kingdom of Sardinia to Napoleon III, negotiating France’s support for the Second Italian War of Independence.[5]

Residences

[edit]

Of the homes built and inhabited by the Vimercati family, the following are particularly memorable:[5]

  • Palazzo Vimercati, historic residence in Milan
  • Palazzo Marazzi formerly Vimercati, historic residence of Crema
  • Palazzo Barbàra formerly Vimercati, historic residence of Crema
  • Palazzo Vimercati Sanseverino, historic residence of Crema
  • Palazzo Donati De' Conti (formerly Vimercati Sanseverino and Vimercati), historic residence in via Vimercati in Crema
  • Palazzo Bonzi (formerly Benvenuti, Vimercati), historic building in via Giacomo Matteotti in Crema.
  • Villa Vimercati Sanseverino called the Palace, historic residence of Vaiano Cremasco
  • Villa Vimercati Groppallo Castelbarco, historic residence of Torlino Vimercati .
  • Vimercati-Sozzi Castle, a ruined castle in the municipality of Cisano Bergamasco .
[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Vimercati - Enciclopedia". Treccani (in Italian).
  2. ^ a b c "VIMERCATI, Pinamonte - Enciclopedia". Treccani (in Italian). Retrieved 2025-02-14.
  3. ^ Pier Giorgio Maggiora (2020-07-18). "I conti di Valenza - Il Piccolo". www.ilpiccolo.net (in Italian). Retrieved 2025-02-14.
  4. ^ "VIMERCATI, Gaspare - Enciclopedia". Treccani (in Italian). Retrieved 2025-02-14.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Vimercati - EFL - Società Storica Lombarda". famiglie.societastoricalombarda.it. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
  6. ^ Conte Enzo Bonzi (1946). I Conti del Serio. Memorie familiari dei Conti Bonzi fu Giuseppe, a cura del Conte Enzo Bonzi. La Moderna.
  7. ^ "Maria Luisa Carlota di Borbone-Parma, Kronprinzessin von Sachseness of Saxony". geni_family_tree (in Italian). 30 April 2022.

[[Category:Translation In Progress]]

[[Category:Lombardy]] [[Category:Italy]] [[Category:Milan]] [[Category:Nobility]]

Retrieved from "http://en.wiki.x.io/w/index.php?title=Draft:Vimercati_(family)&oldid=1276079752"