Vimercati (family)
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| Vimercati | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Place of origin | Vimercate |
| Founded | XI century |
| Founder | Pinamonte da Vimercate |
| Titles | Noble
Count of Palazzo Pignano (V. Sans.) Count of Castel Palazzo (V. Sans.) Count of Cornate (V. Sozzi) |
| Cadet branches | Vimercati Sanseverino
Vimercati Sozzi Vimercati of Verona |
The Vimercati family is a historic noble lineage from Lombardy (dating back to the XI century), 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 an ancient noble lineage, with documented origins dating back to the early 11th century. One of its earliest recorded members, Arialdo, is mentioned in 1021. The family's historical ties to the city of Vimercate, from which it derives its name, are well established. Entrusted with the captaincy of the Pieve of Vimercate, the Vimercati were consistently counted among the episcopal feudal lords while playing an active role in the political life of the commune of Milan.[1]
Throughout the centuries, the Vimercati family distinguished itself in both political and military spheres across Lombardy. In 1088, Algiso Vimercati was appointed vavasour by Emperor Henry IV, further strengthening the family's allegiance to the Holy Roman Empire.[2][1]
One of the family's most illustrious figures was Pinamonte da Vimercate, traditionally regarded as the patriarch of the dynasty.[3] He twice served as Consul of Milan, in 1171 and 1183, pivotal years in the city's history. During his tenure, Milan was rebuilt after its destruction in 1162 by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. A key promoter of the Lombard League, Pinamonte fought in the Battle of Legnano and played a crucial role in the Peace of Constance in 1183, being one of the signatories, which secured autonomy for the Lombard communes from imperial rule. His influence extended beyond Lombardy, as he also served as Podestà of Bologna in 1176.[3]
His son, Guido Vimercati, followed in his father's footsteps, holding prestigious offices. He was Consul of Milan in 1192 and 1224 and served as Podestà of Vicenza in 1195 and Podestà of Bologna in 1196. The Vimercati family was officially recognized among the ancient Milanese nobility in 1277, maintaining a prominent position in the city. Among its many privileges was the right to elect the ordinary canons of the Church of Milan.[1]
The family was more than just a local participant, as it played a role in several historical events. It was closely linked with the Sforza family, contributing to their rise and consolidation of power, and was involved in various conflicts that characterized the Middle Ages and the early modern period. During the Renaissance, its patronage and strategic alliances supported the cultural and artistic development of the region, while during the Risorgimento the family became part of the processes that led to Italian unification and the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy. Its influence, therefore, extended beyond local boundaries, making it a component of the country's political, cultural, and social history.[2][1]
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 throughout northern Italy, 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.[2]
Relationships and marriages
[edit]The Vimercati family further strengthened its status through marriages with other noble Lombard houses.
Among these, we recall the marriage that took place in 1738 between Valeria Vimercati and Count Ercole Bonzi, Count of Serio, a prestigious and ancient noble family from the city of Crema.[4]
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.[5]
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][2]
Branches
[edit]Several branches of the Vimercati family emerged as they expanded from the Milan branch, each following distinct paths that shaped their noble legacy.[6]
One branch of the family settled in Crema, giving rise to notable figures such as Gaspare, Ottaviano, Giovanni, and Agostino Vimercati. Over time, this branch split into several offshoots, the most distinguished being the Vimercati Sanseverino line, which, for services rendered to the Republic of Venice, in 1574 Doge Sebastiano Venier granted them the title of Count of Palazzo or Parazzo.[7][8]
Another branch, having rebelled against the Dukes of Milan, took refuge in Bergamo under the name Sozzi. However, over the course of the 17th century, they reclaimed their original surname, giving rise to the Vimercati Sozzi line, which, from 1681, held the title of Counts of Cornate.[6]
A third branch, settled in Verona.[6]
Coat of arms
[edit]- Vimercati of Milan: Red, with a silver castle with three towers, the central one being the tallest, open and windowed in the field; the chief in gold, with a black eagle crowned in the field.
- Vimercati-Sanseverino of Crema: Red, with three gold bands; the chief in blue, charged with two gold stars.
- Vimercati of Verona: Gold, with three red bands, the chief in blue.
- Vimercati-Sozzi of Bergamo: Golden, with a black double-headed eagle, crowned on both heads; divided into silver and red, with a castle having two battlemented towers in the Guelf style, open and windowed of the field, surmounted by two facing roosters, all alternated in colors; with a green uprooted cypress, crossing.[7]
List of notable members
[edit]- Arialdo Vimercati (11th century): One of the earliest known members of the family, mentioned in documents from 1021.[2]
- 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 Vimercate (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 was key promoter of the Lombard League and fought in the Battle of Legnano. He also served as podestà of Bologna in 1176.[3]
- 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.[2]
- Gaspare da Vimercate (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 and founded the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.[2]
- 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.[2]
- 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.[2]
- 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.[2]
- 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.[2]
- Ottaviano Vimercati (1815–1879): Milanese officer and diplomat, veteran of the French campaigns in Algeria and the wars of the Italian Risorgimento, he was a trusted confidant of Cavour. As special envoy to Napoleon III, he contributed to the Franco-Piedmontese alliance for the Second War of Independence. He stood alongside Garibaldi during the 1860 central Italian campaign and later negotiated in Paris the recognition of the Kingdom of Italy and the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. He was appointed senator of the Kingdom in 1879.[2]
- Agostino Vimercati (1813–1886): Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and of the Crown of Italy. Donated in death twenty thousand lire to the Institute of Mercy and another twenty thousand to the Infant Asylums. He also left one thousand lire to be distributed among the poor of the city. Great-uncle of Antonio Bonzi Vimercati.
- Giovanni Vimercati (?-?): In 1855 married in Rome Maria Luisa Carlotta of Bourbon-Parma.[2]
Residences
[edit]Of the homes built and inhabited by the Vimercati family, the following are particularly memorable:[2]
- 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 .
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Vimercati - Enciclopedia". Treccani (in Italian).
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Vimercati - EFL - Società Storica Lombarda". famiglie.societastoricalombarda.it. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ a b c "VIMERCATI, Pinamonte - Enciclopedia". Treccani (in Italian). Retrieved 2025-02-14.
- ^ Conte Enzo Bonzi (1946). I Conti del Serio. Memorie familiari dei Conti Bonzi fu Giuseppe, a cura del Conte Enzo Bonzi. La Moderna.
- ^ "Maria Luisa Carlota di Borbone-Parma, Kronprinzessin von Sachseness of Saxony". geni_family_tree (in Italian). 30 April 2022.
- ^ a b c Crollalanza, Goffredo di (1890). Dizionario storico-blasonico delle famiglie nobili e notabili italiane estinte e fiorenti (in Italian). Giornale Araldico.
- ^ a b Crollalanza, Giovanni Battista di (1890). Dizionario storico-blasonico delle famiglie nobili e notabili italiane, estinte e fiorenti (in Italian). Presso la direzione del Giornale araldico.
- ^ Giornale araldico-genealogico-diplomatico italiano (in Italian). 1876.