The Imperiali (or Imperiale) family is a princely noble family. It is one of the most important Italian families and was a key protagonist of European history among aristocratic families. Originating from the Republic of Genoa it was previously named Tartaro (10th century), and descends from the House of Ventimiglia. Also following the behavior of Captain Davide Imperiale during the Battle of Lepanto (7 October 1571), the family acquired much prestige in the Republic of Genoa and had among its members 4 doges. It was one of the most powerful families dominating the city's politics in the 17th and 18th century and owned a vast amount of land in Italy.

Imperiali
Genoese noble family
Country Republic of Genoa
 Kingdom of Naples
 Kingdom of Spain
 Kingdom of France
 Kingdom of Italy
Current region Luxemburg
 Belgium
 Italy
 European Union
Place of origin Republic of Genoa
Founded11th century
FounderGiovanni il Tartaro
MottoSub umbra alarum tuarum

Titles

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The various titles of the Imperiali family acquired over years are the following:

Cardinals of the Catholic Church

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The Imperiali family possessed a strong presence in religion and had three cardinals:

Lorenzo Imperiali (1612-1673).

Giuseppe Renato Imperiali (1651-1737) participated in the papal enclave after the death of Pope Innocent X and was only one vote short of being elected pope.

Cosimo Imperiali (1685-1764): Born in Genoa, he was great-grand-nephew of Cardinal Lorenzo Imperiali, nephew of Cardinal Giuseppe Renato Imperiali, and cousin of Cardinal Giuseppe Spinelli. He was made cardinal in 1753. He participated in the Conclave of 1758, that elected Pope Clement XIII.

Historical Buildings

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Palazzo Imperiali in Genova

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The palace was built in around 1560 for Giovan Vicenzo Imperiale.

Villa Imperiali in Genova

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The villa was purchased by the Imperiali family from the Catteneo. Its gardens are currently open to the public and the building is host to the communal library known as "Lercari".

Castle of Francavilla Fontana

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Originally built in 1455 by Giovanni Antonio del Balzo Orsini. It was purchased by the Imperiali family from S. Carlo Borromeo, from the House of Borromeo, in the 16th century for 40,000 ounces of gold.

Castle Imperiali di Villa Castelli

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The castle was purchased by the Imperiali in the 17th century from the Orsini family.

Castello di Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi

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The building dates back to the 10th century. Major works were carried out by the Caracciolo family in the 17th century and by Prince Placido Imperiale after purchasing the building. The 1980 Irpinia earthquake severely damaged the building's structure.

 

Palazzo Imperiali di Latiano

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Palazzo Imperiali-Filotico di Manduria

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Palazzo Imperiali a Avetrana

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Palazzo Imperiali a Salza Irpina

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The estate was a rural residence and hunting lodge. Due to the 1980 earthquake, the building underwent a major restoration project, subsequently becoming the property of the Municipality of Salza Irpina.

Villa Imperiali a Vicenza

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Torre dell'Antoglietta

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Famous members

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Boyle, Katie, What This Katie Did: An Autobiography.Littlehampton Book Services Ltd, 1st edition (9 October 1980); ISBN 978-0-297-77814-1.

Bibliography

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  • Gian Domenico Oltrona Visconti, Imperialis Familia, Piacenza 1999.
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