Malaspina family

Last updated
House of Malaspina
Cybo-Malaspina (since 1553)
Marcher noble family [1]
Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Fiorito) (2).svg
Flowered thorns of the Malaspina's main branch
Parent family Obertenghi
Country Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor (after 1400).svg Kingdom of Italy (HRE)
Flag of Genoa.svg  Republic of Genoa
Flag of Massa and Carrara.png Duchy of Massa and Carrara
Flag of Sardinia.svg Kingdom of Sardinia
EtymologyAlberto Obertenghi's nickname "Malaspina" ("bad thorn")
Founded12th century
FounderAlberto "Malaspina" Obertenghi [2]
Current headNot extinct.
Final ruler Maria Theresa, Duchess of Massa
Titles
Connected families
Motto
Sum Mala Spina Malis. Sum Bona Spina Bonis

("A bad thorn for the bad. A good thorn for the good.")
Estate(s) Malaspina Castle (seat, Massa)
Palazzo Cybo-Malaspina (seat, Carrara)
Castle of Serravalle (Sardinian stronghold)
Dissolution1790 (1790)
Cadet branches Malaspina "of the Dry Thorn" (still existing) [lower-alpha 1]

The House of Malaspina was a noble Italian family of Longobard origin that descended from Boniface I, through the Obertenghi line, that ruled Lunigiana from the 13th to the 14th centuries, and the marquisate of Massa and lordship of Carrara (which later became the Duchy of Massa and Carrara and at a later time the Principality of Massa and the Marquisate of Carrara) since the 14th century.

Contents

History

The Rocca Malaspina in Massa Massa-panorama rocca Malaspina.jpg
The Rocca Malaspina in Massa

The founder of the Malaspina family was Oberto I, who became the count of Luni in 945. Oberto I was appointed as the marquis of the March of Genoa under the Italian king Berengario II in 951 and he became a count palatine in 953. [4]

Oberto I had two children; Oberto II, who inherited the title of count of Luni from his father, and Adalberto I, whose offspring founded the Pallavicino and the Cavalcabò families. [4] Oberto II had four children; Bertha of Milan, the spouse of the King of Italy Arduino; Ugo, count of Milan; Albert Azzo I, count of Luni whose offspring founded the Este family branches of Hannover and Brunswick; and Oberto Obizzo I, progenitor of the lineage of the Malaspinas. [4]

In 1004, Oberto Obizzo I fought beside his brother-in-law King Arduino against the Count Bishops of Luni: this was the first of many conflicts between the family and the governors of the Roman-founded city. Oberto Obizzo I had a son, Albert I. [4] Albert I also had a son, Oberto Obizzo II (d. 1090), the father of Alberto Malaspina  [ it ] (d. 1140), who was the first member of the family to be called Malaspina; for this reason he is sometimes considered the true founder of the family. [4]

The surname Malaspina means "bad thorn" or "ill-willed thorn" in Italian; some historians believe the surname originated in the time of Ancus Marcius as some paintings in the halls of castle of Fosdinovo may suggest. Other historians believe the name may have originated from a legend regarding the death of an enemy, King Merovingio Teodeberto I. The legend, which is narrated on five sandstone tiles at the entry gate of the Malaspina castle of Godiasco, [5] tells how the king was killed with a thorn. Others believe the name originated from the remarkably bad attitude of Albert Malaspina or some of his relatives held with others. [6]

Albert Malaspina extended the family's possessions towards the Apennine Mountains near Lunigiana, starting a conflict with Genoa and the Bishops of Luni. The 1124 peace treaty of Lucca references the division of goods between the descendants of Oberto Obizzo I, who in time gave birth to several European noble families; Brunswick, Estens, Pallavicino and the marquises of Massa, Sardinia and Corsica, as well as the Malaspinas. [4]

Albert's son, the Marquis Obizzo I Malaspina (d. 1185), initially fought against Frederick Barbarossa the Holy Roman Emperor, supporting rioting commoners. After the emperor took control of the conflict, Obizzo changed sides, supporting him in his fight against Milan in 1157. The emperor rewarded Obizzo, granting him the right to rule over the territories of Liguria, Lunigiana, Lombardy and Emilia. In 1176, after escorting Barbarossa to Pavia, Obizzo surprised him by deciding to ally with the Lombard league and attacking the Emperor's armies. Because of Obizzo's betrayal, Frederick Barbarossa was defeated in the battle of Legnano. In the peace treaty of Costanza, the emperor forgave Obizzo and re-confirmed Obizzo's right to rule over the land he was given. Both the Battle of Legnano and the Peace of Costanza are represented in paintings conserved in the hall of Fosdinovo castle and were realized by Gaetano Bianchi at the end of the 19th century. [7]

Obizzo I had two sons Obizzo II Malaspina—also known as Obizzone—and Moroello I Malaspina. [4] The descendants of Obizzo II founded the Spino secco ("dried thorn") branch of the family while the descendants of Moroello I founded the Spino Fiorito ("bloomed thorn") branch of the family (1221). [4] Obizzo II had a son called Conrad I Malaspina, who was defined by Dante Alighieri as "the Old or The Ancient" due to his fame and long-living legacy; Conrad I is considered to be the first exponent of the Spino Secco branch. He obtained all of the territories over the right bank of the Magra river and the territories of Villafranca on the left bank of the Magra river. Conrad I Malaspina had four children; Manfredi Malaspina, Moroello of Mulazzo, Frederick of Villafranca, and Albert Malaspina. [4]

Manfredi Malaspina had a son named Moroello "Vapor of Valdimagra", who was a good friend of Dante Alighieri; because of his close friendship with Manfredi and the kindness he was shown during his exile, Alighieri paid homage to the Malaspina family in the "Purgatory" section of his epic poem Divine Comedy . Moroello had a son named Franceschino Malaspina, who took part in the wars between Guelfs and Ghibellines, and is known to have hosted Dante Alighieri several times during his exile in Lunigiana, nominating him as his personal attorney in the difficult peace negotiations with the Bishop of Luni, Antonio Da Camilla. These negotiations resulted in the peace of Castelnuovo in 1306. Frederick of Villafranca (Brother of Conrad Malaspina The Old) had two sons; Obizzino Malaspina and Conrad Malaspina the Young, to whom Dante expressed his gratitude for the Malaspina family in the 8th canto of "Purgatory". [4]

Victoria and Albert Museum - Monument of Marchese Spinetta Malaspina (1430-1435) Wikimania 2014 - Victoria and Albert Museum - Monument of Marchese Spinetta Malaspina (1430-35)221181.jpg
Victoria and Albert Museum – Monument of Marchese Spinetta Malaspina (1430–1435)

Moroello I Malaspina had a son named Guglielmo Malaspina, whose son Obizzino Malaspina is considered to be the true progenitor of the Spino Fiorito branch of the family. He received all of the territories on the left bank of the Magra river. [4] Obizzino married Caterina Cattaneo and had three heirs; Bernabò Malaspina, Isnardo Malaspina, and Albert Malaspina. Isnardo married Cubina D'este, who gave birth to Gabriele I Malaspina and Azzolino Malaspina; the latter had three children; Spinetta Malaspina—also known as The Great, who in 1340 purchased the feud of Fosdinovo without having any legitimate offspring; Isnardo; and Azzolino whose offspring would assume the title of Marquess of Fosdinovo (1355). [4]

The division of lands between the ever-increasing heirs brought about a shattering of the Dominion of the family into smaller feuds. The Malaspinas sometimes supported the Ghibelline faction and sometimes the Guelf faction. While supporting the Guelfs, Obizzino took part in the conflicts of the Lombards against the Hohenstaufen. Obizzino, alongside Morroello of the Malaspinas of Giovagallo, commanded the Guelf army that defended Florence against Henry VII of Luxembourg. The Ghibelline faction defending emperor Henry VII was also led by a household member; Spinetta Malaspina, also known as the Great. [8]

The Malaspina family also controlled land in the north of Genoa around the four provinces area in the valleys of the Trebbia and Staffora rivers. The lordships in the Lunigiana and in the north of Genoa (also called Lombarda) were soon fragmented due to the adoption of the Longobard Right, which required an equal division of assets, including feuds, between male sons. Some members of the Malaspina family held a part of the Giudicato of Lugodoro (Giudicato di Torres) in the 13th and 14th centuries but most relevantly from the 15th to the 18th centuries, the branch of the Cybo-Malaspina governed the independent marquisate of Massa and the participants of Carrara, then known as the Duchy of Massa and Carrara). The family's Sardinian possessions were: the castle of Serravalle (Bosa) with the curation of Planargia and Costa De Addess; and the castle of Osilo with the curation of Montes, Figulinas and Coros. [9] Members of the family also had the right to the title of princes of San Colombano. [10]

Dante's homage

In the eighth canto of Purgatory, Dante Alighieri celebrates the Malaspina's courtly values, especially those of liberality and hospitality that were well known throughout Europe. [11]

"Oh!" said I then to him, "I 've never been
in your domains, but where throughout all Europe
dwelleth a man who knows them not? The fame
which honoreth your house, proclaims its lords,
proclaims its district, so that even he
knows of them, who hath never been there yet.
I swear to you, so may I go on high,
that of the glorious use of purse and sword
your honored race doth not despoil itself.

( Divine Comedy , Purgatory, Dante Alighieri, 8th Canto, Vv. 121–129) [12]

[lower-alpha 2]

Origins

The Malaspinas were a marchesal branch descending from the Obertenghi family, [13] whose originator was Oberto I (Otbert or Odebertus), who around the middle of the 10th century became count palatine (the count of the sacred palace of Pavia and absolute judiciary authority of the kingdom), and from 951 he also became marquis of Milan and Count of Luni, [14] as well as of the marquisate of Obertenga, as he called it), in the western part of Liguria, which was made up of the committees of Milan, Genoa, Tortona, Bobbio, Luni and other bordering territories. [15]

This vast territory was fragmented both because the hereditary divisions such as the majorat were not yet valid and because of conflicting relationships with other families, including the Fieschi, Spinola, Doria and others, and because of pressure coming from the birthing communes of Milan, Genoa, Piacenza, Tortona, Pavia and Bobbio. Oberto I founded the house through his descendants Oberto II, Oberto Obizzo I, Albert I, Oberto Obizzo II and Albert I Malaspina (d. 1140).

In 1164, Albert's son Obizzo I (the great) (d. 1185) had his feudal rights confirmed by Emperor Frederick I and was also nominated Imperial Vassal. His feuds included parts of the modern-day Liguria (Tigullio, Cinque Terre and Levanto sul mare—which he acquired from Genoa and the Fieschi; the territories of the Lunigiana, Garfagnana and the valleys of the Trebbia River up to Torriglia); the Val d'Aveto (until Santo Stefano d'Aveto) and Staffora located in the Oltrepò); as well as Lombardy (Val Bormida and Oltregiogo). [16]

In 1220, of Obizzo I's many heirs, only Conrad Malaspina the Old and Obizzino Malaspina were alive; their feudal rights were re-confirmed by the emperor although the territories were slightly reduced due to Piacenza's prevalent influence. In 1221, Conrad and Obizzino divided their lordships equally. Conrad ruled over the Lunigiana territories located on the west bank of the Magra River and Val Trebbia in Lombardy, giving birth to the Spino Secco branch, while Obizzino ruled over the Lunigiana territories located on the east bank of the Magra River and Valle Staffora in Lombardy, giving birth to the Spino Fiorito branch of the family.

Essential genealogy

Spino Secco branch

The original canting coat of arms of the Malaspina of the Spino Secco was "truncated in gold and red, with a dried thorn crossing it." Blazon: Parti per fess Or and Gules, a blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) erect branched Sable.
These later canting arms are blazoned: Gules a lion rampant crowned Or, displaying a blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) branched Sable. Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Secco) (1).svg
The original canting coat of arms of the Malaspina of the Spino Secco was "truncated in gold and red, with a dried thorn crossing it." Blazon: Parti per fess Or and Gules, a blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) erect branched Sable.
These later canting arms are blazoned: Gules a lion rampant crowned Or, displaying a blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) branched Sable.

In 1266, four sub-branches were formed from the descendants of Conrad Malaspina (The Old) remembered by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy.

Malaspina of Mulazzo

The origin of this sub-branch is attributed to Moroello Malaspina (d. 1284), who possessed the Castle of Mulazzo in Lunigiana—the main castle of the Spino Secco branch—and feuds in Val Trebbia surrounding Ottone, He also had some influence over the family's dominions in Sardinia. This sub-branch was the first to be generated from the Spino Secco; it retained possession of the marquisate of Mulazzo until the abolition of feudalism. The branch was extinguished in 1810 with the death of marquis Alessandro Malaspina, a renowned politician, explorer and navigator.

The marquisate, ruling from 1266 to 1797, was recognized as an imperial feud as soon as 1164; it expanded with several acquisitions of land in Pozzo  [ it ], Montereggio, Montarese, Castagnetoli (from 1746), Calice, Veppo and Madrignano; the latter three territories were administered by the cadets of the Mulazzo sub-branch from 1710 to 1772, and due to debts were sold to the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

In the 16th century, the branches of Madrignano (1523–1634) and Montereggio (1523–1646) momentarily detached from the main Mulazzo branch. The feud of Mulazzo, starting from 1473, was alternately governed by the "Malaspina del Castello" and the "Malaspina del Palazzo" until 1776. The direct male bloodline was extinguished by the famous explorer Alessandro Malaspina. [17] The ruling marquises are presented below. The main sub-branches deriving from the Malaspinas of Mulazzo were:

Malaspina of Castevoli

An autonomous branch of the family starting from the 15th century with Azzone of Antonio of Mulazzo as its forefather. This branch possessed the feuds of Stadomelli, Cavanella and had some ruling authority over Villafranca. Its main representatives were Thomas II (d. 1603) and his son Francesco (d. 1649). The main branch went extinct in 1759 and with imperial approval, the feuds were unified with Villafranca (1796). In 1794, some revolts against the authoritarian regime of Thomas III started. In 1757, part of the feud was acquired by the Mulazzo branch. [19] The ruling marquises are presented below.

Malaspina of Giovagallo

The forefather of this branch was Manfredo, son of Conrad Malaspina The Old, around 1260. They possessed the castle of Giovagallo (Tresana) and some surrounding land. The branch went extinct in 1365 and their feuds were inherited by the Villafranca branch. Most of the marquisate was absorbed by the marquisate of Tresana. [19]

Malaspina of Villafranca

Their forefather was Frederick, son of Conrad Malaspina The Old; they ruled over the castle of Malnido as well as Villafranca in Lunigiana and the surrounding lands. The branch was greatly weakened and impoverished due to many hereditary divisions, wars and the loss of numerous territories in the valleys close to the river Vara, Auella and Taverone. In the 16th century they were taken under the protection of Modena and thanks to their loyalty, with the May 3, 1726, decree, the duke Rinaldo d'Este of Modena gave them the name "Malaspina Estensi". Their newly formed dominion included Garbugliaga, Beverino, Villa, Rocchetta di Vara, and the castles of Virgoletta and Malnido in Villafranca, where they ruled together with the consignori of the Castevoli branch. [19] The ruling marquises are presented below. The branch expanded efficiently, surviving after the end of feudalism and many co-branches still exist. Some of them had their own rulers as well as a separate identity. These include:

Malaspina of Pregòla

This branch's forefather was Alberto (d. 1298), son of Conrad Malaspina (The Old). They inherited the feud of Pregòla—a fraction of Brallo di Pregola—and vast territory on the left side of the Val Trebbia; the river divided their feuds from the ones owned by the branch of Mulazzo. They also owned some territories near Bobbio. In 1304 Corradino Malaspina, the lord of the castle of Carana (Corte Brugnatella), in agreement with Visconte Pallavicino and the abbot of Bobbio, Guido took control over Bobbio, transformed it into a lordship and built its current castle. In 1341 the Visconti Milan took control of Bobbio and of the Brugnatella court, stripping the Malaspina of the castle of Carana and destroying the famous Castello Nero, a black castle famous for the unusual stones used to build it. After 1347, when Corradino died, the feud was distributed between his heirs but in 1361 they had to give it to the Visconti family. in 1436 it was given to the Dal Verme family, who had become counts of Bobbio and Voghera. The Malaspinas also lost control over the ancient church of San Cristoforo in the Valle del Carlone. The only territory they still owned was Dezza, which was later given to the Malaspina of Pregòla. The branch endured a division in 1347, from which the feuds of Prato (a fraction of Cantalupo Ligure, in Val Borbera, near Val Trebbia) and of Corte Brugnatella, which both had a short history. In another division in 1453 the four quartieri were separated from the feud of Pergola; each of the estates was given to a distinct branch of the family. These branches were: [19]

Spino Fiorito branch

Original coat of arms of the Malaspina of the Spino Fiorito
("truncated in gold and red, with a blooming thorn crossing it.") Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Fiorito) (1).svg
Original coat of arms of the Malaspina of the Spino Fiorito
("truncated in gold and red, with a blooming thorn crossing it.")

in 1275, the son and three grandchildren of the forefather of the branch, Obizzo Malaspina also known as Obizzino, created four other sub-branches of the family.

Malaspina of Varzi

Their forefather was Azzolino, Obizzino's grandson and son of Isnardo, who had already died before the division in 1275. With his brother Gabriele, Azzolino inherited a third of the estates of his grandfather Obizzino, some of which were in Lunigiana and some in Lombardy. After some time, in agreement with his brother, Azzolino took full control of the Lombardy feuds, mostly located in the Staffora valley surrounding Varzi. The Marquisate of Varzi was divided between Azzolino's three sons; the sub-branch of Isnardo, which ruled over Menconico, went extinct in the 15th century but the other two branches survived: [22]

Malaspina of Fivizzano

This branch's forefather was Gabriele, Obizzino's grandson and Isnardo's son, who died before the division of the feuds in 1275. Gabriele ruled over a third of the family's estates alongside his brother Azzolino; some feuds were in Lunigiana and some in Lombardy; thanks to a political agreement between him and Azzollino, Gabriele took control of the feuds in Lunigiana, which consisted of the castle of Verrucola in Fivizzano and the bordering territories in eastern Lunigiana. Gabriele had three children; Isnardo's family went extinct in the 15th century, leaving Fivizzano to the Republic of Florence, with which the family were allied. This event determined the future, creating the strong influence Florence had over Lunigiana and the bordering territories. The famous Lunigiana Granducale , which fought for supremacy with the Malaspinian dominium as well as the one of Modena. Spinetta Malaspina pledged his loyalty to Verona; by doing so he was awarded the feud of Fosdinovo. Spinetta had no natural heirs so his bloodline went extinct with his sons; Azzolino's descendants were rewarded with the feud of Fosdinovo and generated the line of Malaspina of Fosdinovo, who were imperial vicars in Italy from whom Antonio Alberico I Malaspina descended. Because Antonio was the marquis of Fosdinovo, he obtained the feud of Massa in 1441. [24] His son, Giacomo I Malaspina (d. 1481), succeeded his father and added to the lordship of Massa the feud of Carrara and its surrounding territories. [25] Giacomo's son, Alberico, [26] banished his brother Francesco and Francesco's offspring, depriving them of all succession rights and leaving his daughter Ricciarda as his sole heir. Ricciarda married Lorenzo Cibo, from which descended the Cybo-Malaspina, the new duchess of Massa and Carrara. [27]

This branch of the family generated several other sub-branches, including:

Malaspina of Fosdinovo

The Malaspinian castle of Fosdinovo Fosdinovo-castello Malaspina1.JPG
The Malaspinian castle of Fosdinovo

This branch's forefather was the son of Azzolino, Galeotto, who died in 1367. In 1340, Spinetta Malaspina consolidated the family's power over its estates, granting them the lordship for the following centuries. The marquisate of Fosdinovo became sovereignly autonomous in 1367, engulfing the territories of Viano, Castel dell'Aquila, Gragnola (1646), Cortila, Pulica, Giucano, Ponzanello, Tendola, Marciaso and Posterla, Caniparola. Gabriele, son of Antonio Alberico I of Fosdinovo, took control of the feud of Fosdinovo, leaving the other estates to his siblings. [28]

In 1529 the hereditary status of imperial Vicary was recognised to him and his feuds. In 1666 the emperor granted the branch the right to produce its own currency. The last sovereign marquis was Carlo Emanuele, who was in favour of abolishing the imperial feuds in Italy; he agreed with the Napoleonic edict of 2 July 1797 and renounced his feuds. The Torrigiani-Malaspina family still owns the Castle Fosdinovese. [22] The ruling marquises are presented below.

Malaspina of Olivola

Their forefather was Francesco, son of Bernabò and grandson of Obizzino who, after the division of 1275, inherited land in Lunigiana (the castle of Olivola, in a fraction of Aulla) and Lombardy, including the castle of Pizzocorno, a fraction of Ponte Nizza. The heirs of the main branch were assassinated in 1413 in the castle of Olivola; their feuds were divided between the Fosdinovo and Godiasco branches of the family. Olivola was given to the line of Gragnola; after the extinction of the line, it was given to Alberico I of Fosdinovo and his son Gabriele IV (d. 1485), who left it to his son Giovan Battista. The feud was later inherited by Lazzaro, who in 1525 created an independent line, which survived until the abolition of the imperial feuds in 1797. [30] The ruling marquises are presented below.

Malaspina of Godiasco

The forefather of this branch was Alberto, son of Obizzino, who in the division of 1275 with his grandchildren had feuds in both Lunigiana and Lombardy, mainly close to the castle of Filattiera. They were initially called Malaspina of Filattiera; this title was kept by the first generation only. They also had a castle in Oramala—a fraction of Val di Nizza, and later acquired control over the Borgo of Godiasco and set it as their centre of power. In 1743 the province of Bobbio was established under the marquisate of Bobbio from 1516; the Savoia and the mandate of Varzi delimitated their territories. The five main sub-branches of the family were created by Nicolò (also known as Marchesotto) the son of Alberto, and his five children; they all had feuds in Lunigiana and in the marquisate of Godiasco: [22]

Other branches

Malaspinian Baroque gate - Ascoli Piceno Portale barocco - Ascoli Piceno.jpg
Malaspinian Baroque gate – Ascoli Piceno

Family members of unknown lines

Marquesses of Malaspina

House of Malaspina

RulerBranchBornReignDeathRuling partConsortNotes
Alberto I Malaspina Malaspina?
Son of Oberto Obizzo II, Marquis of Milan
1130–11411141Marquisate of MalaspinaAdelisa
three children

Picenna
no children
Founder of the family and of the marquisate.
Obizzo I the Great Malaspina?
Son of Alberto I Malaspina, Marquis of Malaspina and Adelisa
1141–11861186Marquisate of MalaspinaMaria Bianco da Vezzano
three children
Alberto II the Moor BnF ms. 854 fol. 155v - Albert Marques de Malaspina (2).jpg Malaspina1165
Son of Obizzo I and Maria da Vezzano
1186–12121212
aged 46/47
Marquisate of Malaspina(Giordana?) of Montferrat
one child
Sons of Obizzo I, ruled jointly, until the death of Alberto in 1212. The surviving nephews, then divided the marquisate between the two: Alberto's brother Obizzo's line became known as Spino Secco (Dried Thorn) and Moroello's as Spino Fiorito (Blossomed Thorn).
Obizzo II Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Secco) (1).svg ?
Son of Obizzo I and Maria da Vezzano
1186–11931193Marquisate of MalaspinaBeatrice? of Montferrat
two children
Moroello I Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Fiorito) (1).svg 1140
Son of Obizzo I and Maria da Vezzano
1186–11991199
aged 58/59
Marquisate of Malaspina(Giordana?) Frangipan
four children
Corrado I the Elder Dante sieht zwei Engel mit Flammenschwertern zu den Seiten einer Schar Seelen, unter welchen Malaspina, der ihm seine Verbannung aus Florenz prophezeit (SM 942k).png Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Secco) (1).svg 1180
Son of Obizzo II and Beatrice of Montferrat
1212 – 7 July 12547 July 1254
aged 73/74
Marquisate of Malaspina Constance of Sicily

Agnesina

six children (in total)
In 1254 divided his lands between his sons.
Guglielmo I Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Fiorito) (1).svg ?
Son of Moroello I and (Giordana?) Frangipan
1212–1219May 1219Marquisate of MalaspinaUnknown
at least one child
Obizzo III Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Fiorito) (1).svg ?
Son of Guglielmo I
1219–12491249Marquisate of Malaspina Caterina della Volta
seven children
In 1249 divided his lands between his sons.

The Spino Secco branch

Rulers of Lunigiana under Malaspina-Spino Secco rule

Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Secco) (1).svg
Marquisate of Malaspina,
Spino Secco
(Dried Thorn)
Pregòla [33]
(1254–1797)
Mulazzo
(1254–1797)
Giovagallo
(1254–1365)
      
       Cremolino
(1275–1467)
Villafranca
(1254–1796)
Lusuolo
(1301–
1616)
      
Carisetto
(1407–
1540)
St. Stefano
(1407–
1590)
             Tresana
(1407–
1651)
      
      
      
      
       Licciana
(1469–1796)
      Annexed to Montferrat
            
Edifizi
(1475–
1624)
                  
            Madrignano
(1517–1631)

Suvero line retained Madrignano
(1631–39)
            
                   Podenzana
(1528–1797)
      Monti
(1528–
87)
Bastia
(1528–1783)
Suvero
(1528–
1797)
      
                              
Sold to the Fieschi family                               
                              
                              
                  Castevoli
(1560–
1797)
            
            Montereggio
(1573–1646)
                  Ponte
Bosio

(1574–
1797)
Terrarossa
(1st creation)
1574–1617)
      
                                    
                              
                        Sold to Tuscany
                        Terrarossa
(2nd creation) (Filattiera line)
(1628–1787)
                        
                        
                  Sold to Tuscany
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  
            Sold to Tuscany
            
            

Table of rulers

RulerBornReignDeathRuling partConsortNotes
Moroello I 1225
Son of Corrado I and Constance of Sicily/Agnesina
7 July 1254 – 12841284
aged 48/49
Marquisate of Mulazzo Berlanda Argentina Grimaldi (1230–1281)
five children
Children of Corrado I, divided the marquisate.
Federico I ?
Son of Corrado I and Constance of Sicily/Agnesina
7 July 1254 – 12751275 Marquisate of Villafranca Agnese del Bosco
seven children
Manfredo I ?
Son of Corrado I and Constance of Sicily/Agnesina
7 July 1254 – 12851285 Marquisate of Giovagallo Beatrice
three children
Obizzo I ?
Son of Federico I and Agnese del Bosco
1275–13011301 Marquisate of Villafranca Tobia Spinola
eight children
Children of Federico I, divided the marquisate.
Tommaso I ?
Son of Federico I and Agnese del Bosco
1275–13091309 Marquisate of Cremolino Richilda of Fosdinovo

Ughetta

eight children (in total)
Francesco ?
Son of Moroello I and Berlenda-Argentina Grimaldi
1284–13191319 Marquisate of Mulazzo Unknown
five children
Moroello I 1268
Son of Manfredo I and Beatrice
1285 – 8 April 13158 April 1315
aged 46/47
Marquisate of Giovagallo Alagia Fieschi
four children
Regency of Tobia Spinola (1301–1310 [34] )Sons of Obizzo I, marquis of Villafranca. Federico kept Villafranca, and his brother Azzone received the town of Lusuolo.
Federico II c.1290
Son of Obizzo I and Tobia Spinola
1301–13671367
(aged around 76/77)
Marquisate of Villafranca Elisabetta Malaspina of Fosdinovo
two children
Azzone c.1290
Son of Obizzo I Malaspina, Marquis of Villafranca and Tobia Spinola
1301–13641364
(aged around 73/74)
Marquisate of Lusuolo ? Malaspina of Oramala
five children
Isnardo I ?
Son of Tommaso I and Richelda of Fosdinovo [35]
1309–13481348 Marquisate of Cremolino Eleonora Asinari
three children
Manfredo II ?
Son of Moroello II and Alagia Fieschi
8 April 1315 – 13451345 Marquisate of Giovagallo Anna Torelli
two children
Moroello II ?
Son of Francesco
1319–13651365 Marquisate of Mulazzo Alagia Malaspina of Giovagallo
seven children
Moroello II ?
Son of Manfredo II and Anna Torelli
1345–13651365 Marquisate of Giovagallo Argentina Grimaldi of Genoa [36]
one child
Left no surviving children. After his death Giovagallo was annexed to Villafranca.
Giovagallo was annexed to Villafranca
Antonio ?
Son of Isnardo I and Eleonora Asinari
1348–13551355 Marquisate of Cremolino Unknown
one child [37]
Also Podestà of Tortona in 1332.
Tommaso II ?
Son of Isnardo I and Eleonora Asinari
1355–14021402 Marquisate of Cremolino Unknown
three children
Probably ruled with his son, who predeceased him.
Gian Isnardo ?
Son of Tommaso II
1355–13851385 Marquisate of Cremolino Unknown
five children
Gian Jacopo ?
Son of Azzone
1364–14071407 Marquisate of Lusuolo Unknown
five children
Antonio I ?
Son of Moroello II and Alagia Malaspina of Giovagallo
1365–14071407 Marquisate of Mulazzo Sofia Buzzacarini
nine children
After his death he divided his marquisate between his sons.
Spinetta ?
Son of Federico II and Elisabetta Malaspina of Fosdinovo
1367–14031403 Marquisate of Villafranca Costanza
ten children
Tommaso III ?
Son of Gian Isnardo
1402–14271427 Marquisate of Cremolino Unknown
one child
Federico III ?
Son of Spinetta and Costanza
1403–14061406 Marquisate of Villafranca Unknown
three children
Gabriele ?
Son of Spinetta and Costanza
1406–14371437 Marquisate of Villafranca Maddalena Malaspina of Lusuolo
five children
Azzone ?
Son of Antonio I and Sofia Buzzacarini
1407–14731473 Marquisate of Mulazzo Unknown
twenty-four children
Sons of Antonio I, divided the marquisate.
Antonio II [38] ?
Son of Antonio I and Sofia Buzzacarini
1407–14771477 Marquisate of Carisetto Unknown
one child
Ghisello I ?
Son of Antonio I and Sofia Buzzacarini
1407–1475c.1475 Marquisate of Santo Stefano Unknown
five children
Jacopo ?
Son of Gian Jacopo
1407–14601460 Marquisate of Lusuolo Unknown
five children
Sons of Gian Jacopo, divided the marquisate.
Obizzo ?
Son of Gian Jacopo Malaspina, Marquis of Lusuolo
1407–14501450 Marquisate of Tresana Anna
three children
Isnardo II ?
Son of Tommaso III
1427–14671467 Marquisate of Cremolino Costanza
no children
After his death with no descendants, the marquisate was annexed to the Marquisate of Montferrat. [39] The line survived, and died out in 1529.
Annexed to the Marquisate of Montferrat
Gian Spinetta I ?
Son of Spinetta and Costanza
1437–14691469 Marquisate of Villafranca Teodora Malaspina of Mulazzo
1435
five children
After his death the marquisate was divided between his sons.
Gian Giorgio ?
Son of Obizzo and Anna
1450–15021502 Marquisate of Tresana Costanza
three children
Jacopo Ambrogio ?
Son of Jacopo
1460–15061506 Marquisate of Lusuolo Caterina Suardi
eight children
Gian Spinetta II ?
Son of Gian Spinetta I and Teodora Malaspina of Mulazzo
1469–15281528 Marquisate of Licciana Maddalena Malaspina of Gragnola
five children
Children of Gian Spinetta I, divided the marquisate.
Tommaso I ?
Son of Gian Spinetta I and Teodora Malaspina of Mulazzo
1469–15211521 Marquisate of Villafranca Bianca di Collalto
five children
Paolo I ?
Son of Azzone
1473–15171517 Marquisate of Mulazzo Unknown
nine children
Sons of Azzone, shared the Marquisate of Mulazzo.
Cristoforo I ?
Son of Azzone
1473–15111511 Marquisate of Mulazzo Unknown
five children
Francesco I ?
Son of Ghisello I
1475–1525c.1525 Marquisate of Santo Stefano Unknown
five children
Sons of Ghisello I Malaspina, divided the marquisate.
Pietro ?
Son of Ghisello I Malaspina, Marquis of Santo Stefano
1475-c.1500c.1500 Marquisate of Edifizi Unknown
one child
Antonio III [40] ?
Son of Antonio II
1477–1525c.1525 Marquisate of Carisetto Unknown
two children
Ghisello ?
Son of Pietro
1500–1525c.1525 Marquisate of Edifizi Unknown
one child
Guglielmo I GugMal1.png ?
Son of Obizzo and Anna
1502–15281528 Marquisate of Tresana Paola Arrigoni

Benedetta Pio

four children (in total)
Federico ?
Son of Jacopo Ambrogio and Caterina Suardi
1506–15371537 Marquisate of Lusuolo Antonia Malaspina of Tresana
two children
Shared the marquisate of Lusuolo. [41] Antonio was ousted of rulership by Federico's son, Girolamo Ambrogio.
Antonio ?
Son of Jacopo Ambrogio and Caterina Suardi
1542 Marquisate of Lusuolo Anna Malaspina of Mulazzo
five children
Teodoro ?
Son of Jacopo Ambrogio and Caterina Suardi
1506–15361536 Marquisate of Lusuolo Angelica Medici
five children
Rolando ?
Son of Jacopo Ambrogio and Caterina Suardi
1506–15241524 Marquisate of Lusuolo Mattea Malaspina of Fosdinovo
one child
Moroello III ?
Son of Paolo I
1517–15731573 Marquisate of Mulazzo Caterina Malaspina of Gragnola
five children
Shared in condominium the Marquisate of Mulazzo, rule that would apply to the descendants of Paolo and Cristoforo.
Gian Gaspare I ?
Son of Cristoforo
1517–15311531 Marquisate of Mulazzo Margherita Malaspina of Lusuolo
two children
Gian Cristoforo I ?
Son of Gian Gaspare I and Margherita Malaspina of Lusuolo
1531–15741574 Marquisate of Mulazzo Nicola Vivaldi
five children
Bonifazio I ?
Son of Paolo I
1517–15551555 Marquisate of Madrignano Nicola Spinola
three children

Grazia Calcagnini
Received the marquisate of Madrignano in inheritance of his father.
Gian Battista ?
Son of Gian Spinetta I and Teodora Malaspina of Mulazzo
1521–15621562 Marquisate of Villafranca Margherita Malaspina of Mulazzo
five children
Sons of Tommaso I, shared Villafranca. The sons of Gian Battista would later found the branch of Castevoli.
Bartolomeo I ?
Son of Gian Spinetta I and Teodora Malaspina of Mulazzo
1521–15491549 Marquisate of Villafranca Ottavia Malaspina?
five children
Pietro ?
Illegitimate son of Antonio III
1525–1540After 1540 Marquisate of Carisetto UnknownIn 1540 he sold his lands to the Fieschi.
Carisetto was sold to the Fieschi family
Ghisello II ?
Son of Ghisello I
1525–1560c.1560 Marquisate of Santo Stefano Bettina Fregoso
(d.1506)
one child
Gaspare Vincenzo ?
Son of Ghisello
1525–1550c.1550 Marquisate of Edifizi Unknown
one child
Regency of Benedetta Pio (1528-c.1540)
Francesco Guglielmo I FranGugMal1.png 1528
Posthumous son of Guglielmo I and Benedetta Pio
1528 – 9 July 15749 July 1574
(aged 45/46)
Marquisate of Tresana Susanna Malaspina of Montereggio
four children
Jacopo I Sigillo di Jacopo Malaspina, Marchese di Panicale.jpg ?
Son of Gian Spinetta II and Maddalena Malaspina of Gragnola
1528–15731573 Marquisate of Licciana Maria Lucrezia Malaspina of Lusuolo
three children
Children of Gian Spinetta II, divided their inheritance: Jacopo kept Licciana, Fioramonte received Bastia, Rinaldo inherited Suvero, Moroello held Monti, and Leonardo received Podenzana.
Fioramonte ?
Son of Gian Spinetta II Malaspina, Marquis of Licciana and Maddalena Malaspina of Gragnola
1528–15741574
Cortemaggiore
Marquisate of Bastia Caterina Passeri-Bonacolsi
nine children
Rinaldo I ?
Son of Gian Spinetta II Malaspina, Marquis of Licciana and Maddalena Malaspina of Gragnola
1528–15621562 Marquisate of Suvero Lavinia Malaspina of Villafranca
four children
Moroello ?
Son of Gian Spinetta II and Maddalena Malaspina of Gragnola
1528–15781578 Marquisate of Monti Lucrezia Stroggi-Maggi
one child
Leonardo I ?
Son of Gian Spinetta II Malaspina, Marquis of Licciana and Maddalena Malaspina of Gragnola
1528–15651565 Marquisate of Podenzana Caterina Orlandi
eight children
Girolamo Ambrogio Comparino ?
Son of Jacopo Ambrogio and Caterina Suardi
1537–16161616 Marquisate of Lusuolo Susanna Malaspina of Mulazzo

Maddalena Cerati

five children
After his death without surviving children, Lusuolo was annexed by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Lusuolo annexed by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Pier Francesco ?
Son of Gaspare Vincenzo
1550–16241624 Marquisate of Edifizi UnmarriedAfter his death the marquisate reverted to Mulazzo.
Edifizi annexed to Mulazzo
Stefano I ?
Son of Bonifazio I
1555–15941594 Marquisate of Madrignano Silvia Malaspina of Mulazzo
five children
Supposedly hated by his vassals. [39]
Francesco II ?
Son of Ghisello I
1560–1590c.1590 Marquisate of Santo Stefano Bettina Fregoso
(d.1506)
one child
After his death the marquisate reverted to Mulazzo.
Santo Stefano annexed to Mulazzo
Federico IV ?
Son of Gian Battista Malaspina, Marquis of Villafranca and Margherita Malaspina of Mulazzo
1562–15801580 [39] Marquisate of Villafranca Elena Cybo
five children
Kept a smaller marquisate of Villafranca after the partition with his brother.
Tommaso I [41] ?
Son of Gian Battista Malaspina, Marquis of Villafranca and Margherita Malaspina of Mulazzo
1562–16051605 Marquisate of Castevoli Bianca Sicco
four children

Marzia Malaspina of Podenzana
four children
Kept the marquisate of Castevoli after the partition with his brother.
Torquato I ?
Son of Rinaldo I and Lavinia Malaspina of Villafranca
1562–15941594
Ferrara
Marquisate of Suvero Euridice Malaspina of Madrignano
(1570–1602)
one child
Alessandro I ?
Son of Leonardo I and Caterina Orlandi
1565–15871587 Marquisate of Podenzana Dejanira-Bianca Malaspina of Villafranca
four children
Alfonso 1540
Son of Jacopo I and Maria Lucrezia Malaspina of Lusuolo
1573–16081608
(aged 67/68)
Marquisate of Licciana Regina of Cles
1565
twelve children
Sons of Jacopo I, shared the marquisate of Licciana.
Lucio Cornelio I ?
Son of Jacopo I and Maria Lucrezia Malaspina of Lusuolo
1573–16161616 Marquisate of Licciana Bartolomea Formentini
five children
Gian Paolo II [38] ?
Son of Moroello III and Caterina Malaspina of Gragnola
1573–15841584 Marquisate of Montereggio Taddea Malaspina of Mulazzo
five children
In 1573 he was given the marquisate of Montereggio by his father.
Camillo I ?
Son of Fioramonte and Caterina Passeri-Bonacolsi
1574–16191619 Marquisate of Bastia Beatrice Malaspina of Tresana
(d.1616)
eight children
Giulio I ?
Son of Fioramonte Malaspina, Marquis of Bastia and Caterina Passeri-Bonacolsi
1574–15871587 Marquisate of Ponte Bosio Euridice Biagiotti
two children
Received the marquisate of Ponte Bosio.
Fabrizio ?
Son of Fioramonte Malaspina, Marquis of Bastia and Caterina Passeri-Bonacolsi
1574–16171621 Marquisate of Terrarossa Lucrezia
three children
In 1617 sold his marquisate, which he received from his father, to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Terrarossa briefly annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Francesco Antonio ?
Son of Moroello III and Caterina Malaspina of Gragnola
1574–15901590 Marquisate of Mulazzo Mattea Malaspina of Podenzana
1577
two children
Shared in condominium the Marquisate of Mulazzo.
Gian Gaspare II ?
Son of Gian Cristoforo I and Nicola Vivaldi
1574–15841584 Marquisate of Mulazzo Caterina Malaspina of Mulazzo
one child
Francesco Guglielmo II Moneta francesco guglielmo di Tresana, 1595.jpg ?
Son of Francesco Guglielmo I and Susanna Malaspina of Montereggio
1574–16131613 Marquisate of Tresana Unknown
seven children
Orazio ?
Son of Moroello and Lucrezia Stroggi-Maggi
1578–15821582 Marquisate of Monti Lucrezia
no children
Left no legitimate descendants. After his death Monti reverted to Licciana.
Monti annexed by Licciana
Bartolomeo II ?
Son of Federico IV and Elena Cybo
1580–16221622 [39] Marquisate of Villafranca Laura d'Este
three children
Gian Vincenzo I ?
Son of Gian Paolo II and Taddea Malaspina of Mulazzo
1584–1595c.1595 Marquisate of Montereggio Margherita Malaspina of Licciana
three children
Leonardo II ?
Son of Alessandro I and Dejanira Bianca Malaspina of Villafranca
1587–16371637 Marquisate of Podenzana Luigia Malaspina of Fosdinovo
(b.12 January 1587)
five children
Ludovico I ?
Son of Giulio I and Euridice Biagiotti
1587–16591659 Marquisate of Ponte Bosio Silvia of Diana
four children
Moroello IV ?
Son of Francesco Antonio and Mattea Malaspina of Podenzana
1590–16571657 Marquisate of Mulazzo Caterina Malaspina of Mulazzo
(1614–1664)
ten children
Shared in condominium the Marquisate of Mulazzo. Gian Cristoforo II sold his part to his cousin Francesco Maria (nephew of Antonio Maria and brother of Caterina, wife of Moroello IV).
Antonio Maria ?
Son of Gian Cristoforo I and Nicola Vivaldi
1590–16001600 Marquisate of Mulazzo Euridice Malaspina of Castevoli
six children
Gian Cristoforo II ?
Son of Antonio Maria and Euridice Malaspina of Castevoli
1600–16171643 Marquisate of Mulazzo Agnese Ricci

Lucrezia Rinaldi
1610

six children (in total)
Francesco Maria ?
Son of Antonio Maria and Euridice Malaspina of Castevoli
1617–16351635 Marquisate of Mulazzo Ippolita Malaspina of Castevoli
five children
Bonifazio II ?
Son of Stefano I and Silvia Malaspina of Mulazzo
1594–15961596 Marquisate of Madrignano Diana di Passano
one child
Took his father as example, [39] probably being as hated as him. Ended assassinated in 1596.
Rinaldo II ?
Son of Torquato I and Euridice Malaspina of Madrignano
1594–16391639 Marquisate of Suvero Maria del Carretto
two children
In 1631 received Madrignano from his maternal uncle, Giulio Cesare. However, after his own death, this land reverted to Mulazzo.
Gian Vincenzo II ?
Son of Gian Vincenzo I and Margherita Malaspina of Licciana
1595–1625c.1525 Marquisate of Montereggio Isabella Sanvitale of Fontanellato
four children
Regency of Diana di Passano [39] (1596–1601)Died as a minor. His uncle Giulio Cesare then took the reins of the marquisate.
Stefano II 6 September 1592
Son of Bonifazio I
1596–16011601
(aged 9)
Marquisate of Madrignano Unmarried
Giulio Cesare ?
Son of Stefano I and Silvia Malaspina of Mulazzo
1601 – 25 November 163125 November 1631 Marquisate of Madrignano Isabella Grassi
one child
After his accession, and given his predecessors' behaviours, the inhabitants rebelled against him, and offered the marquisate to the Republic of Genoa. The republic asked Gianbattista Doria to oppress the rebellion, but it was Cosimo Centurione, afraid of the rebellion spreading to his own feuds, that subjugated the Madrignano populace to Giulio Cesare's rule. With no surviving descendants, left the marquisate to Rinaldo II Malaspina, Marquis of Suvero, son of his sister Euridice.
Madrignano annexed by Suvero, and then reverted to Mulazzo in 1639
Francesco 1598
Son of Niccolò Malaspina of Castevoli and Clarice della Gherardesca
1605–16491649
(aged 50/51)
Marquisate of Castevoli Beatrice Baglioni
four children
Grandson of Tommaso I, his predecessor.
Guglielmo II Gug2Mal1.png 1596
Son of Francesco Guglielmo II
1613 – 6 August 16516 August 1651
(aged 54/55)
Marquisate of Tresana Anna Malaspina of Olivola
(1603–1675)
September 1613 [42]
one child
After his death the marquisate was annexed by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Tresana annexed by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Ferdinando 1568
Son of Alfonso and Regina of Cles
1616 – 29 July 161929 July 1619
(aged 50/51)
Marquisate of Licciana Isabella Malaspina of Olivola
three children
Had a suspicious character. His rule was marked by various incidents. Died assassinated by his own brother, and it is told that at the time Ferdinando's wife tried to defend him with pistols. [39]
Camillo II ?
Son of Carlo Malaspina of Bastia
1619–16291629 Marquisate of Bastia UnmarriedGrandson of his predecessor. Left no descendants, and the marquisate went to his uncle, Ippolito.
Obizzo I 1569
Son of Alfonso and Regina of Cles
29 July 1619 – 16411641
(aged 50/51)
Marquisate of Licciana Amedea de Chevron
three children
Annibale ?
Son of Bartolomeo II and Laura d'Este
1622–16521652 Marquisate of Villafranca Caterina di Ricasoli-Riario
1611
two children
Ottavio ?
Son of Gian Vincenzo II and Isabella Sanvitale of Fontanellato
1625–16461646 Marquisate of Montereggio Matilde Malaspina of Mulazzo
(d.1680)
no children
After his death with no descendants, Montereggio reverted to Mulazzo.
Montereggio annexed by Mulazzo
Ippolito ?
Son of Camillo I and Beatrice Malaspina of Tresana
1629–16451645 Marquisate of Bastia Taddea Malaspina of Tresana
1627
six children
Francesco Maria I 10 September 1619
Son of Leonardo II and Luigia Malaspina of Fosdinovo
1637 – 12 October 167612 October 1676
Podenzana
(aged 57)
Marquisate of Podenzana Maria Caterina Lucrezia Malaspina of Mulazzo
six children
Pier Torquato II ?
Son of Rinaldo II and Maria del Carretto
1639–16631663 Marquisate of Suvero Caterina della Seta
three children
Jacopo II 1621
Son of Obizzo I and Amedea de Chevron
1641 – 11 June 165911 June 1659
(aged 37/38)
Marquisate of Licciana Bianca Rangoni
three children
Francesco 3 August 1631
Son of Fioramonte and Taddea Malaspina of Tresana
1645–16951695
(aged 63/64)
Marquisate of Bastia Scolastica Zambini
thirteen children
Tommaso II 1605
Son of Francesco and Clarice della Gherardesca
16491649 [41]
(aged 43/44)
Marquisate of Castevoli Camilla Arrighi
three children
Niccolò [43] ?
Son of Tommaso II and Camilla Arrighi
1649–16761676 [41] Marquisate of Castevoli Unmarried
Niccolò After 1611
Son of Annibale and Caterina di Ricasoli-Riario
1652–16971697 Marquisate of Villafranca Isabella Molza
1611
nine children
Cesare Maria ?
Son of Francesco Maria and Ippolita Malaspina of Castevoli
1657 – 7 December 16977 December 1697 Marquisate of Mulazzo Caterina Baglioni
two children
Shared in condominium the Marquisate of Mulazzo. After his death with no surviving descendants, his part of Mulazzo returned to the descendant and namesake of Gian Cristoforo II, Gian Cristoforo III.
Azzo Giacinto I ?
Son of Moroello IV and Caterina Malaspina of Mulazzo
1657–16741674 Marquisate of Mulazzo Pannina Fogiliani
(d.1665)
eight children
Giulio II ?
Son of Ludovico I and Silvia of Diana
1659–16621662 Marquisate of Ponte Bosio Laura Farsetti
five children
Obizzo II 1641
Son of Jacopo II and Bianca Rangoni
11 June 1659 – 17041704
(aged 62/63)
Marquisate of Licciana Paola Cechinelli
six children
Ferdinando ?
Son of Giulio II and Laura Farsetti
1662–17221722 Marquisate of Ponte Bosio Vittoria Farsetti
1661
six children
Francesco Antonio I ?
Son of Pier Torquato II and Caterina della Seta
1663–17141714 Marquisate of Suvero Elisabetta Malaspina of Olivola
(24 May 1636 – 12 January 1712)
1658
three children
Clarice ?
Daughter of Tommaso II and Camilla Arrighi [44]
1676–16781678 [41] Marquisate of Castevoli Gian Battista Gherardi
unknown children
After her death, the marquisate passed to Alfonso I, great-grandson of Alfonso, brother of Tommaso I.
Alessandro II 31 October 1659
Son of Francesco Maria I and Maria Caterina Lucrezia Malaspina of Mulazzo
12 October 1676 – 17191719
(aged 59/60)
Marquisate of Podenzana Euridice Malaspina of Suvero
(d.1716)
three children
Alfonso ?
Son of Scipione Malaspina of Castevoli and Maria Spinola
1678–17411741 [39] Marquisate of Castevoli Elena Malaspina of Castevoli
six children
Great-grandson of Alfonso (brother of Tommaso I), and brother-in-law of the marquis Francesco.
Serafino ?
Son of Francesco and Scolastica Zambini
1695–17361736 Marquisate of Bastia Teresa Borri
three children
Giovanni I ?
Son of Niccolò and Isabella Molza
1697–17251725 Marquisate of Villafranca Gliceria Stanga
seven children
Gian Cristoforo III ?
Son of Obizzo Malaspina of Mulazzo and Anna Maria Cardi/Maria Felice Cambi
1697–17651765 Marquisate of Mulazzo Dejanira Malaspina of Podenzana
(d.26 May 1772)
1717
two children
Shared in condominium the Marquisate of Mulazzo. Gian Cristoforo III was a cousin of Cesare Maria.
Carlo Maria ?
Son of Azzo Giacinto I and Pannina Fogiliani
1697–17051705
Piacenza
Marquisate of Mulazzo Luigia Malaspina of Podenzana
ten children
Azzo Giacinto II ?
Son of Carlo Maria and Luigia Malaspina of Podenzana
1705–17461746 Marquisate of Mulazzo Lucrezia Avogadro
five children
Jacopo Antonio ?
Son of Obizzo II and Paola Cechinelli
1704–174115 December 1741
Licciana
(aged 62/63)
Marquisate of Licciana Barbara Cavalca
twelve children
Torquato III 1667
Son of Francesco Antonio I and Elisabetta Malaspina of Olivola
1714–17361736
(aged 68/69)
Marquisate of Suvero Livia Galetti
(d.1746)
six children
Francesco Maria II ?
Son of Alessandro II and Euridice Malaspina of Suvero
1719–17541754
Vienna
Marquisate of Podenzana Beatrice Obizzi
seven children
Ludovico II ?
Son of Ferdinando and Vittoria Farsetti
1722–17481748 Marquisate of Ponte Bosio Teresa Maffei
six children
Azzo Federico V Estense ?
Son of Giovanni I and Gliceria Stanga
1725–17861786 Marquisate of Villafranca Dorotea Ratta
nine children
Gained the epithet Estense from Rinaldo d'Este, Duke of Modena, in 1726.
Giovanni ?
Son of Serafino and Teresa Borri
1736–17836 January 1783 Marquisate of Bastia Anna Malaspina of Mulazzo
(28 November 1727 – 1797)
four children
After his death with no male descendants, Bastia was absorbed by Ponte Bosio
Bastia annexed to Ponte Bosio
Rinaldo III ?
Son of Torquato III and Livia Galetti
1736–17701770 Marquisate of Suvero UnmarriedAfter his death without descendants, the marquisate passed to his brother, Francesco Antonio.
Obizzo Paolo ?
Son of Alfonso and Elena Malaspina of Castevoli
1741–17591759 [39] Marquisate of Castevoli Edvige Malaspina of Suvero
four children
Great-grandson of Alfonso (brother of Tommaso I), and brother-in-law of the marquis Francesco.
Cornelio II Before 1714
Son of Jacopo Antonio and Barbara Cavalca
1741–17781778
Parma
Marquisate of Licciana Vittoria Olivazzi
five children
Giulio III ?
Son of Ludovico II and Teresa Maffei
1748 – 8 September 17628 September 1762 Marquisate of Ponte Bosio Chiara Cusani
(b.13 October 1707)
four children
Alessandro III 1729
Son of Francesco Maria II and Beatrice Obizzi
1754–13 September 178913 September 1789
Florence
(aged 59/60)
Marquisate of Podenzana UnmarriedLeft no descendants. The amrquisate passed to his younger brother Alfonso.
Tommaso III 5 November 1749
Villafranca [39]
Son of Obizzo Paolo and Edvige Malaspina of Suvero
1759–179716 July 1834
Villafranca [39]
(aged 84)
Marquisate of Castevoli Luigia Malaspina of Ponte Bosio
five children
In 1796 reunited Castevoli and Villafranca, but he was deposed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 with the latter's invasion of Northern Italy and subsequent end of the Feudal Age.
Claudio ?
Son of Giulio III and Chiara Cusani
8 September 1762 – 1783

1783 – 1797
22 December 1803 Marquisate of Ponte Bosio

Ponte Bosio and Bastia
Anna Malaspina of Olivola
(d.1783)
1764
six children
Reunited, in 1783, the marquisates of Bastia and Ponte Bosio. Claudio was deposed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 with the latter's invasion of Northern Italy and subsequent end of the Feudal Age.
Cesare 1709
Son of Gian Cristoforo III and Dejanira Malaspina of Podenzana
1765–1776After 1776 Marquisate of Mulazzo UnmarriedShared in condominium the Marquisate of Mulazzo. In 1776, Cesare gave to Carlo Moroello's son his part on the marquisate.
Carlo Moroello 1709
Son of Azzo Giacinto II and Lucrezia Avogadro
1765–17741774
Florence
aged 64/65
Marquisate of Mulazzo Caterina Meli-Lupi
(d.27 June 1798)
1745
thirteen children
Francesco Antonio II 16 December 1714
Son of Torquato III and Livia Galetti
1770–17711771
(aged 56/57)
Marquisate of Suvero Livia Saporitti
two children
Torquato IV 22 June 1769 [45]
Son of Gian Spinetta II and Lavinia Malaspina of Villafranca
1771–17971827
Parma
(aged 57/58)
Marquisate of Suvero Teresa Garimberti
eleven children
Deposed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 with the latter's invasion of Northern Italy and subsequent end of the Feudal Age.
Azzo Giacinto III 23 December 1746
Mulazzo
Son of Carlo Moroello and Caterina Meli-Lupi
1776–17971800
aged 53/54
Marquisate of Mulazzo UnmarriedFirst sole marquis of Mulazzo since the 16th century. However, he would be also the last, as the called Feudal Age in Italy ended with the invasion of Northern Italy in 1797 by Napoleon Bonaparte. One of his brothers was the famous Alejandro Malaspina.
Ignazio 2 May 1714
Son of Jacopo Antonio and Barbara Cavalca
1778–179431 December 1794
(aged 80)
Marquisate of Licciana Margherita of Rossillon
1767
three children
Giovanni II ?
Son of Azzo Federico V Malaspina and Dorotea Ratta
1786–17961809 Marquisate of Villafranca Isabella Molza
1611
nine children
In 1796, he was deposed by the marquis of Castevoli, who reunited the two marquisates.
Villafranca annexed by Castevoli
Alfonso 1737
Son of Francesco Maria II and Beatrice Obizzi
13 September 1789 – 17971797
Florence
(aged 49/50)
Marquisate of Podenzana UnmarriedLeft no descendants. In 1796 reunited Licciana and Podenzana, but died at the wake of the invasion of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Amedea Gaspara 7 September 1777 [46]
Licciana
Daughter of Ignazio and Margherita of Rossillon
1794–17968 March 1847
(aged 69)
Marquisate of Licciana Massimiliano Montecuccoli
1794
unknown children
Deposed or abdicated for her kin, the marquis of Podenzana, who united both marquisates.
Licciana inherited by Podenzana

The Spino Fiorito branch

Rulers of Lunigiana under Malaspina-Spino Fiorito rule

Coat of arms of the House of Malaspina (Spino Fiorito) (1).svg
Marquisate of Malaspina,
Spino Fiorito
(Blossomed Thorn)
Godiasco/Filattiera
(1254–1535)
Olivola
(1st creation)
(1254–
1413)
      
Verrucola/Fivizzano
(1254–1418)
Varzi [47]
(1289–1776)
      St. Margherita
(1320–1790)
Lunassi
(1320–
1605)
      
      Treschietto/
Plumesana

(1339–1716)
Castiglione
(1339–1451)
Bagnone
(1339–
1471)
Malgrate
(1339–
1615)
            Fosdinovo
(1340–1797)
            
            
                  Gragnola/
Castel d'Aquila

(1367–1642)

(Brief reannexation by Fosdinovo 1441–51)
      
                  
      Olivola
(2nd creation, Fosdinovo line
(1451–
1796)
            
                  
             Massa-Carrara
(1467–
1553)
      Sold to Florence,
later Tuscany
      
            
            
            
Sold to Tuscany       
      
      Oramala
(1549–
1797)
      
      Inherited by the Cybo family
      
      
      Fabbrica
(1320–
1759)
      
Sold to Spain       
      
      
      
Sold to Tuscany Sold to Savoy

Table of rulers

RulerBornReignDeathRuling partConsortNotes
Alberto ?
Son of Obizzo III and Caterina della Volta
1249–13201320
Marquisate of Godiasco/Filattiera Fiesca Fieschi
eight children
Children of Obizzo III, divided the marquisate.
Bernabò I ?
Son of Obizzo III and Caterina della Volta
1249–12651265
Marquisate of Olivola Anna Maria of Sicily
three children
Isnardo I ?
Son of Obizzo III and Caterina della Volta
1249 – June 1275June 1275
Marquisate of Verrucola/Fivizzano Cubitosa d'Este
(b.1233)
eight children
Regency of Anna Maria of Sicily (1265–1275) [48]
Francesco 1262 [49]
Son of Bernabò I and Anna Maria of Sicily
1265–13391339
(aged 76/77)
Marquisate of Olivola Unknown
six children
Gabriele ?
Son of Isnardo I and Cubitosa d'Este
1275–12891289 Marquisate of Verrucola/Fivizzano Unknown
seven children
In 1249, on the partition between his brothers, received Verrucola.
Isnardo II ?
Son of Gabriele
1289–13511351
Marquisate of Verrucola/Fivizzano Angelica Verona
five children
Sons of Isnardo I, shared Verrucola. Azzolino's descendants would later rule the Marquisate of Fosdinovo.
Azzolino [50] ?
Son of Gabriele
1289–13271327
Marquisate of Verrucola/Fivizzano Giovanna Cagnoli
five children
Niccolò ?
Son of Alberto and Fiesca Fieschi
1320–13391339
Marquisate of Godiasco/Filattiera Beatrice Malaspina of Mulazzo
seven children
Brothers and co-rulers. The sons of Niccolò divided the territory between them after their father's death.
Manfredo I ?
Son of Alberto and Fiesca Fieschi
1320–13301330
Marquisate of Godiasco/Filattiera Unmarried
Domenico ?
Son of Francesco
1339–13551355 Marquisate of Olivola Unknown
two children
Riccardo ?
Son of Obizzo Malaspina of Godiasco and Taddea Malaspina of Fosdinovo
1339–13921392
Marquisate of Filattiera Teodora Grimaldi of Genoa
seven children
Heirs of Niccolò. His grandchild (Riccardo) and his sons (uncles of Riccardo) divided the marquisate.
Giovanni I Beretta ?
Son of Niccolò Malaspina and Beatrice Malaspina of Mulazzo
1339–13751375
Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Masina Picciolini
four children
Francesco I ?
Son of Niccolò Malaspina, Marquis of Godiasco and Beatrice Malaspina of Mulazzo
1339–13961396
Marquisate of Castiglione Unknown
three children
Bernabò ?
Son of Niccolò Malaspina, Marquis of Godiasco and Beatrice Malaspina of Mulazzo
1339–13681368 Marquisate of Malgrate Unknown
one child
Antonio ?
Son of Niccolò Malaspina, Marquis of Godiasco and Beatrice Malaspina of Mulazzo
1339–13591359 Marquisate of Bagnone Unknown
four children
Spinetta I the Great Malaspina5.png 1282
Verrucola
Son of Gabriele Malaspina, Marquis of Verrucola
1340 – March 1352March 1352
Fosdinovo
(aged 69/70)
Lordship of Fosdinovo Beatrice Visconti of Milan
(b.1280)
1310
three children
In 1340, Spinetta became ruler of Fosdinovo, taking it from the Republic of Lucca, and founded a new marquisate. However, left no male descendants, nominating his nephews (sons of his brother Azzolino) as heirs.
Niccolò ?
Son of Isnardo II and Angelica Verona
1351–14161416
Marquisate of Verrucola/Fivizzano Unknown
three children
Galeotto I ?
Son of Azzolino Malaspina, Marquis of Verrucola and Giovanna Cagnoli
March 1352 – 15 March 136715 March 1367
Fosdinovo
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Argentina Grimaldi of Genoa
three children
His feud was elevated to a Marquisate in 1355, by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor.
Marco ?
Son of Domenico
1355–14041404 Marquisate of Olivola Doralice Malaspina
five children
Riccardo ?
Son of Antonio
1359–14271427 Marquisate of Bagnone Unknown
three children
Gabriele I ?
Fosdinovo
Son of Galeotto I and Argentina Grimaldi of Genoa
1367–13901390
Fosdinovo
Marquisate of Fosdinovo UnmarriedLeft no descendants. The marquisate was inherited by his brother.
Leonardo I ?
Fosdinovo
Son of Galeotto I Malaspina, Marquis of Fosdinovo and Argentina Grimaldi of Genoa
1367 – 13 July 140313 July 1403 Marquisate of Gragnola Caterina Rossi [39] or Caterina Malaspina of Lusuolo [41]

six children
Received the marquisate of Gragnola from his father.
Niccolò ?
Son of Bernabò
1368–14081408 Marquisate of Malgrate Unknown
two children
Federico the German ?
Son of Giovanni I and Masina Picciolini
1375–14191419 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Unknown
seven children
Spinetta II ?
Fosdinovo
Son of Galeotto I and Argentina Grimaldi of Genoa
1390–13981398
Fosdinovo
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Giovanna Gambacorta
no children

Margherita Barbiano
1390
two children
Niccolò II [51] ?
Son of Riccardo and Teodora Grimaldi of Genoa
1392–14721472 Marquisate of Filattiera Rosana Malaspina of Villafranca
no children
Sons of Riccardo, they probably shared rule in Filattiera.
Bernabò I ?
Son of Riccardo and Teodora Grimaldi of Genoa
1392–14681468 Marquisate of Filattiera Giovanna Malaspina of Bagnone
four children
Bernabò ?
Son of Francesco I
1396–14301430
Marquisate of Castiglione Unknown
two children
Regency of Margherita Barbiano (1398–1410)Acquired the Lordship of Massa in 1442.
Antonio Alberico I ?
Fosdinovo
Son of Spinetta II and Margherita Barbiano
1398 – 9 April 14459 April 1445
Fosdinovo
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Giovanna Malaspina of Verrucola
1418 [52]
five children
Leonardo II ?
Son of Leonardo I and Caterina Rossi/Caterina Malaspina of Lusuolo
13 July 1403 – 14411441 Marquisate of Gragnola Ginevra Visconti of Milan
(1385–1418)
one child
Brothers, they shared the fief. Despite surviving his brother, Galeotto possibly had to hand over the marquisate to Fosdinovo, as the land was reabsorbed by Fosdinovo and (probably because Galeotto had no male heirs) given to a new heir in 1445, with Galeotto still living.
Galeotto I ?
Son of Leonardo I and Caterina Rossi/Caterina Malaspina of Lusuolo
1441 Marquisate of Gragnola Samaritana Foscari
one child

Mattea Bevilacqua
four children
Gragnola briefly absorbed by Fosdinovo
Giovanni ?
Son of Marco and Doralice Malaspina
1404–14111411 Marquisate of Olivola UnmarriedLeft no descendants. The marquisate went to his brother.
Bartolomeo ?
Son of Niccolò
1408–14561456 Marquisate of Malgrate Eleonora Vignoli of Lodi
three children
Bernabò II ?
Son of Marco and Doralice Malaspina
1411–14131413
Varano
Marquisate of Olivola UnmarriedIn 1413, on the same day, he and his brothers were assassinated. Olivola was eventually absorbed by the Marquisate of Fosdinovo.
Olivola annexed by Fosdinovo
Bartolomeo ?
Son of Niccolò
1416–14181418
Marquisate of Verrucola/Fivizzano Margherita Anguissola
two children
After his death, Verrucola was absorbed by the still recent Marquisate of Fosdinovo.
Verrucola annexed by Fosdinovo
Giovanni II ?
Son of Federico
1419–14541454 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Unknown
two children
Giorgio ?
Son of Riccardo
1427 – 30 June 145030 June 1450 Marquisate of Bagnone Unknown
four children
Francesco II ?
Son of Bernabò
1430–1451after 1451 Marquisate of Castiglione UnmarriedIn 1451, Francesco sold his marquisate to the Republic of Florence
Castiglione sold to the Republic of Florence
Jacopo I 1422
Fosdinovo
Son of Antonio Alberico I and Giovanna Malaspina of Verrucola
9 April 1445 – 17 November 146718 May 1481
Massa
(aged 58/59)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Taddea Pico
May 1446
five children
Children of Antonio Alberico I, divided the land. In 1467, Jacopo abdicated from Fosdinovo to his brother Gabriele, and ruled solely in Massa-Carrara, where he established a short-lived independent line. Lazzaro revived the marquisate of Gragnola after receiving it from his father. He established a relatively longer line of marquesses than the previous one. He also linked himself with the older Gragnola line by marriage with a daughter of the still living Galeotto I, previous holder of the marquisate.
17 November 1467 – 18 May 1481 Marquisate of Massa and Carrara
Lazzaro 1428
Fosdinovo
Son of Antonio Alberico I Malaspina, Marquis of Fosdinovo and Giovanna Malaspina of Verrucola
9 April 1445 – 4 July 14514 July 1451
(aged 22/23)
Marquisate of Gragnola Caterina Malaspina of Gragnola
(1432 – 20 March 1500)
one child
Cristiano ?
Son of Riccardo
30 June 1450 – 14711471 Marquisate of Bagnone Unknown
four children
In 1471, Francesco sold his marquisate to the Republic of Florence
Bagnone sold to the Republic of Florence
Leonardo III ?
Son of Lazzaro and Caterina Malaspina of Gragnola
4 July 1451 – 28 June 150528 June 1505 Marquisate of Gragnola Aurante Orsini
five children
Andrea I ?
Son of Giovanni II
1454–14771477 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Unknown
two children
Malgrate ?
Son of Bartolomeo and Eleonora Vignoli of Lodi
1456–14991499 Marquisate of Malgrate Margherita Malaspina of Mulazzo

Caterina Spinola

two children (in total)
Sons of Bartolomeo, shared the marquisate.
Ercole I ?
Son of Bartolomeo and Eleonora Vignoli of Lodi
1456–14801480 Marquisate of Malgrate Unmarried
Gabriele II 1435
Fosdinovo
Son of Jacopo I and Taddea Pico
17 November 1467 – 3 February 15083 February 1508
Fosdinovo
(aged 72/73)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Bianca Malaspina of Gragnola
(1439–1516)
May 1456 or 1468 [39]
five children
In 1467, received from his brother Jacopo the marquisate of Fosdinovo, following the latter's abdication.
Manfredo II ?
Son of Bernabò I and Giovanna Malaspina of Bagnone
1472–14931493 Marquisate of Filattiera Bernardina Isembardi
three children
Gian Lorenzo I ?
Son of Andrea I
1477–15121512 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Elisabetta Gambarana
three children
Antonio Alberico II [53] c.1450?
Massa
Son of Jacopo I and Taddea Pico
18 May 1481 – 13 April 151913 April 1519
Massa
(aged around 68/69?)
Marquisate of Massa and Carrara Lucrezia d'Este
1490
four children
Sons of Jacopo I, probably rule jointly. [54]
Francesco c.1450?
Massa
Son of Jacopo I and Taddea Pico
18 May 1481 – 2 August 148424 August 1484
Massa
(aged around 33/34?)
Marquisate of Massa and Carrara Costanza Fogliani
December 1477
four children
Bernabò II ?
Son of Manfredo II and Bernardina Isembardi
1493–15141514 Marquisate of Filattiera Giovanna Maria Eustachi
five children
Sold Cella (a part of the marquisate) to the Duchy of Milan.
Gian Battista ?
Son of Malgrate and Margherita Malaspina of Mulazzo/Caterina Spinola
1499–15131513 Marquisate of Malgrate Adriana Guidoboni
one child
Galeotto II ?
Son of Leonardo III and Aurante Orsini
28 June 1505 – 15441544 Marquisate of Gragnola Isabella Maggi
two children
Brothers, they ruled jointly.
Giovanni ?
Son of Leonardo III and Aurante Orsini
28 June 1505 – 15501550 Marquisate of Gragnola Unknown
six children
Lorenzo ?
Fosdinovo
Son of Gabriele II and Bianca Malaspina of Gragnola
3 February 1508 – 15331533
Fosdinovo
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Teodosia Mattea Malaspina of Gragnola
1501
three children [39]
Brothers, they shared the marquisate of Fosdinovo.
Galeotto II ?
Fosdinovo
Son of Gabriele II and Bianca Malaspina of Gragnola
3 February 1508 – 15231523
Fosdinovo
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Zaffira Pio of Carpi
22 July 1476
two children
Lazzaro I ?
Son of Gian Battista Malaspina of Fosdinovo and Giovanna Rossi of Santo Secundo
1510 [39] –15441544 Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Margherita Malaspina of Licciana
c.1530
nine children
In 1510, he received Olivola from his uncles.
Pompeo I ?
Son of Gian Lorenzo I and Elisabetta Gambarana
1512–15781578 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana UnmarriedProbably shared the marquisate. After the death of his brother Gian Andrea, Pompeo still shared and survived his nephew Gian Lorenzo II.
Gian Andrea II ?
Son of Gian Lorenzo I and Elisabetta Gambarana
1512–15401540 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Francesca Malaspina of Lusuolo
seven children
Gian Lorenzo II ?
Son of Gian Andrea II and Francesca Malaspina of Lusuolo
1540–15771577 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Paola Malaspina of Mulazzo
two children
Cesare I ?
Son of Gian Battista and Adriana Guidoboni
1513–15491549 Marquisate of Malgrate Lucrezia Castiglioni
four children
Manfredo III ?
Son of Bernabò II and Giovanna Maria Eustachi
1514–15351554 Marquisate of Filattiera Giovanna Malaspina of Olivola
five children
In 1535 Manfredo sold Filattiera to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Filattiera sold to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Riccarda [55] Marchesa di Massa Ricciarda Malaspina.jpg 1497
Massa
Daughter of Antonio Alberico II and Lucrezia d'Este
13 April 1519 – 6 October 1546

27 June 1547 – 15 June 1553
15 June 1553
Bagni di Lucca
(aged 55/56) [56]
Marquisate of Massa and Carrara Scipione Fieschi
c.1515
no children

Lorenzo Cybo
1520
three children
Deposed once by her son, Giulio I Cybo-Malaspina, in 1546, she rapidly regained the control of her lands. She was the last of the Malaspinas in Massa-Carrara; her descendants, until then part of the Cybo family would join her name with her husband's, founding the Cybo-Malaspina family.
Massa-Carrara inherited by the Cybo family
Giuseppe ?
Fosdinovo
Son of Lorenzo and Teodosia Mattea Malaspina of Gragnola
1533–15651565
Fosdinovo
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Luigia Doria
1529
eleven children [39]
Spinetta I ?
Son of Lazzaro I and Margherita Malaspina of Licciana
1544–15901590 Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Eleonora della Gherardesca
five children
Giuseppe ?
Son of Cesare I and Lucrezia Castiglioni
1549–15901590 Marquisate of Malgrate Giulia of Vervea
two children
Sons of Cesare I, divided the marquisate: Giuseppe kept Malgrate and Ercole II received Oramala.
Ercole II [57] ?
Son of Cesare I Malaspina, Marquis of Malgrate and Lucrezia Castiglioni
1549–15811581 Marquisate of Oramala Emilia Nocetti
two children
Corrado ?
Son of Galeotto II and Isabella Maggi
1550–15591559 Marquisate of Gragnola Donella Sarego
Girolama Castelbarco

three children (in total)
Gian Battista ?
Son of Corrado and Donella Sarego/Girolama Castelbarco
1559 – 25 December 160625 December 1606 Marquisate of Gragnola Caterina Guidotti
1563

Fiametta Soderini

four children (in total)
Cousins, ruled jointly. Disinherited by his father, Leone managed to co-rule with his cousin's nephew. Leone was then succeeded in the co-rulership by his own son Alfonso, who also didn't outlive Gian Battista.
Leone ?
Son of Giovanni
1559–15681568 Marquisate of Gragnola Manella Angarana
six children
Alfonso ?
Son of Leone and Mandella Angarana
1568–15941594 Marquisate of Gragnola Ginevra Marioni
(d.1612)
one child
Regency of Luigia Doria (1565–1573)
Andrea 1544
Fosdinovo
Son of Giuseppe and Luigia Doria
1565–16101610
Fosdinovo
(aged 65/66)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Vittoria of Negro
six children
Gian Gaspare I ?
Son of Gian Lorenzo II and Paola Malaspina of Mulazzo
1578–16081608 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Maria Spinola

Lucrezia Malaspina of Malgrate

five children (in total)
Pier Francesco I ?
Son of Ercole II Malaspina, Marquis of Oramala and Emilia Nocetti
1581–16221622 Marquisate of Oramala Giulia Spinola
two children
Cesare II ?
Son of Bernabò
1590–16151615 Marquisate of Malgrate Unknown
one child
In 1615, Cesare sold the marquisate to Spain. [39]
Malgrate sold to the Kingdom of Spain
Lazzaro II ?
Son of Spinetta I and Eleonora della Gherardesca
1590–16301630 Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Teodora Malaspina of Licciana
nine children
Cosimo ?
Son of Gian Battista and Caterina Guidotti/FIametta Soderini
25 December 1606 – 16381638
Vienna
Marquisate of Gragnola Anna Malaspina of Treschietto
no children
Had almost continuous fights with his brothe Alessandro for inheritance, and desired to exclude him from it. [39] As he left no descendants, the marquisate eventually passed to his hated brother.
Pompeo II ?
Son of Gian Gaspare I and Maria Spinola/Lucrezia Malaspina of Malgrate
1608–16361636 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Clevia Malaspina of Lusuolo [58]
four children
Jacopo II 22 October 1593
Fosdinovo
Son of Andrea and Vittoria of Negro
1610–16631663
Fosdinovo
(aged 69/70)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Maria Grimaldi della Rocca
1612
twelve children
Giuseppe 1593
Son of Pier Francesco I and Giulia Spinola
1622–16461646
(aged 52/53)
Marquisate of Oramala Lucrezia Guidoboni-Cavalchini
four children
Manfredo I ?
Son of Bernabò Malaspina of Filattiera and Eleonora Bartorelli
1628–16421642 Marquisate of Terrarossa
(Filattiera line)
Cassandra della Seta
two children
Grandson of Manfredo III Malaspina, Marquis of Filattiera. In 1628, Ferdinando II de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany gave him the marquisate of Terrarossa, which had been sold in 1617 by Fabrizio Malaspina.
Spinetta II ?
Son of Lazzaro II and Teodora Malaspina of Licciana
1630–16551655 Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Mary Magdalene Dudley
1648
twelve children
Gian Gaspare II ?
Son of Pompeo II and Clevia Malaspina of Lusuolo
1636–16781678 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Ottavia Gorai
seven children
Alessandro ?
Son of Gian Battista and Caterina Guidotti/FIametta Soderini
1638–16421642 Marquisate of Gragnola UnmarriedThe feud was re-absorbed by the main branch of Fosdinovo in 1644 after a dispute with the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who Alessandro had nominated to be the feud's heir. [59] [22]
Gragnola definitely annexed to Fosdinovo
Bernabò I 1619
Son of Manfredo I and Cassandra della Seta
1642 – 24 September 166324 September 1663
Pisa
(aged 43/44)
Marquisate of Terrarossa
(Filattiera line)
Costanza della Gherardesca
six children
Pier Francesco II 1630
Son of Giuseppe and Lucrezia Guidoboni-Cavalchini
1646 – 20 September 169220 September 1692
(aged 61/62)
Marquisate of Oramala UnmarriedLeft no descendants. The marquisate went to his brother, Ercole.
Giuseppe 22 December 1633
Son of Spinetta II and Mary Magdalene Dudley
1655 – 11 July 168211 July 1682
(aged 48)
Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Claudia of Santa Croce
no children
Manfredo II 1642
Son of Bernabò I and Costanza della Gherardesca
24 September 1663 – 19 November 170819 November 1708
Florence
(aged 65/66)
Marquisate of Terrarossa
(Filattiera line)
Margherita Romoli
(b. 11 X 1655)
two children

Claudia Santa Croce
three children
Pasquale PasqMal1.png 27 January 1622
Fosdinovo
Son of Jacopo II and Maria Grimaldi della Rocca
1663 – 8 November 16698 November 1669
Fosdinovo
(aged 47)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Maria Maddalena Centurione
three children [39]
Left no descendants. The marquisate was inherited by his brother.
Ippolito 15 November 1628
Fosdinovo
Son of Jacopo II and Maria Grimaldi della Rocca
8 November 1669 – 15 February 167115 February 1671
Fosdinovo
(aged 42)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Cristina Adelaide Pallavicino of Frabosa
(d.19 February 1723)
12 November 1670
one child
Regency of Cristina Adelaide Pallavicino of Frabosa (1671–1691)
Carlo Francesco Agostino CristPallav.png 23 November 1671
Fosdinovo
Son of Ippolito and Cristina Adelaide Pallavicino of Frabosa
15 February 1671 – 17221722
Caniparola
(aged 50/51)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Maria Anna Caterina Santinelli
1693
seven children
Remigio Pompeo III 1660 [60]
Son of Gian Gaspare II and Ottavia Gorai
1678–16891689
(aged 38/39)
Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Leonella Dionisia Gargielli
no children
Eleonora Malaspina of Ponte Bosio
1674
no children
Lazzaro III 8 March 1635
Son of Spinetta II and Mary Magdalene Dudley
11 July 1682 – 14 September 171417 September 1714
(aged 79)
Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Beatrice of Sylva
five children
Carlo Alessandro ?
Son of Gian Gaspare II and Ottavia Gorai
1689–16921692 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Anna Caterina Malaspina
three children
Ferdinando ?
Son of Gian Gaspare II and Ottavia Gorai
1692–17221722 Marquisate of Treschietto and Piumesana Anna Maria Gargiolli
no children
In 1716, Ferdinando sold the marquisate to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Treschietto and Piumesana sold to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Ercole III Benedetto ?
Son of Giuseppe and Lucrezia Guidoboni-Cavalchini
20 September 1692 – 17231723 Marquisate of Oramala Maria Spinola
nine children
Bernabò II Malaspina1.png ?
Son of Manfredo II and Margherita Romoli
19 November 1708 – 12 January 176112 January 1761 Marquisate of Terrarossa
(Filattiera line)
Vittoria Ricciardi
(1695–11 April 1775)
1715
four children
Supposedly also held the Marquisate of Treschietto, but it didn't pass to his descendants. [39]
Giuseppe Massimiliano 1700
Son of Lazzaro III and Beatrice of Sylva
17 September 1714 – 1 November 17581 November 1758
(aged 57/58)
Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Maria Teresa Malaspina of Fosdinovo
(1703 – 3 November 1770)
1723
seven children
Gabriele III 3 March 1695
Fosdinovo
Son of Carlo Francesco Agostino and Maria Anna Caterina Santinelli
1722–17581758
Fosdinovo
(aged 62/63)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Angelica Maria Pallavicino
(d. 18 February 1732)
five children

Isabella Orsucci
(d. 17 July 1762)
1749
eleven children
Agostino ?
Son of Ercole III Benedetto and Maria Spinola
1723–175015 July 1750 Marquisate of Oramala Vittoria Malaspina of Oramala
six children
Ercole IV ?
Son of Agostino and Vittoria Malaspina of Oramala
1750–179713 January 1805 Marquisate of Oramala Antonia Miraglia
(d.4 February 1812)
nine children
Ercole was deposed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 with the latter's invasion of Northern Italy and subsequent end of the Feudal Age.
Regency of Isabella Orsucci (1758–1759)Carlo Emanuele was deposed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 with the latter's invasion of Northern Italy and subsequent end of the Feudal Age.
Carlo Emanuele 31 May 1752
Fosdinovo
Son of Gabriele III and Isabella Orsucci
1758–179714 January 1808
Pisa
(aged 55)
Marquisate of Fosdinovo Eugenia Pinelli Salvago
no children
Lazzaro IV ?
Son of Giuseppe Massimiliano and Maria Teresa Malaspina of Fosdinovo
1 November 1758 – 17831783 Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
Tommasina Falconi of Chiavari
two children
Left no male heirs. The marquisate was inherited by his brother Carlo.
Manfredo III Malaspina3.png 18 January 1720
Son of Bernabò II and Vittoria Ricciardi
12 January 1761 – 2 January 17872 January 1787
(aged 66)
Marquisate of Terrarossa
(Filattiera line)
Vittoria Ginori
(d.23 March 1790)
1752
one child
After Manfredo's death, Terrarossa returned to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Terrarossa definitely annexed by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Carlo ?
Son of Giuseppe Massimiliano and Maria Teresa Malaspina of Fosdinovo
1783–179721 February 1811 Marquisate of Olivola
(Fosdinovo line)
UnmarriedDeposed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 with the latter's invasion of Northern Italy and subsequent end of the Feudal Age.

Malaspina branches at mid-18th century

See also

Footnotes

  1. Although all branches of families died out before its main branch (Cybo-Malaspina), some descendants are still present in Greece and Americas. [3]
  2. Original version:

    La fama che la vostra casa onora,
    "Oh!", diss'io lui, "per li vostri paesi
    già mai non fui; ma dove si dimora
    per tutta Europa ch'ei non sien palesi?
    grida i segnori e grida la contrada,
    sì che ne sa chi non vi fu ancora;
    e io vi giuro, s'io di sopra vada,
    che vostra gente onrata non si sfregia
    del pregio de la borsa e de la spada.
    (Divina Commedia, Purgatorio, Dante Alighieri, Canto 8, Vv. 121–129) [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">House of Este</span> Italian dynasty ruling the Duchy of Ferrara, Duchy of Modena and Reggio, and Papal States

The House of Este is a European dynasty of North Italian origin whose members ruled parts of Italy and Germany for many centuries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duchy of Massa and Carrara</span> 1473–1829 duchy in northwestern Tuscany, Italian Peninsula

The Duchy of Massa and Principality of Carrara was a small state that controlled the towns of Massa and Carrara from 1473 until 1829.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Comano, Tuscany</span> Comune in Tuscany, Italy

Comano is a town and comune in the province of Massa and Carrara, Tuscany, Italy, of some 700 inhabitants.

The House of Obertenghi were a prominent Italian noble family of Frankish origin descended from Viscount Adalbert III, first Margrave of Milan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">March of Turin</span>

The March or Marquisate of Turin was a territory of medieval Italy from the mid-10th century, when it was established as the Arduinic March. It comprised several counties in Piedmont, including the counties of Turin, Auriate, Albenga and, probably, Ventimiglia. The confines of the march thus stretched across the Po Valley from the Western Alps in the north, to the Ligurian Sea.

William VII, called the Great Marquis, was the twelfth Marquis of Montferrat from 1253 to his death. He was also the titular King of Thessalonica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">March of Montferrat</span> Former state in Northern Italy

The Marchof Montferrat was a frontier march of the Kingdom of Italy during the Middle Ages and a state of the Holy Roman Empire. The margraviate was raised to become the Duchy of Montferrat in 1574.

The March of Genoa or Eastern Liguria was created in 961 by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taddea Malaspina</span> Italian noble

Taddea Malaspina was an Italian noblewoman of the 16th century. A scion of the Massa branch of the ancient Malaspina family, she was the mistress of Alessandro de' Medici, Duke of Florence, from the early 1530s to about 1537 and was likely the mother of at least two of his children, Giulio and Giulia de' Medici. Giulio de' Medici was associated with the Malaspina family at different points throughout his life.

Spinetta Malaspina (1282–1352), also known as Spinetta Malaspina the Great, a descendant of Obizzo Malaspina, was the Marquisse of Verrucola and the lord of Fosdinovo. He is the forefather of the marquisses of Fosdinovo and of its related imperial feud.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matteo I Visconti</span> Lord of Milan (1250–1322)

Matteo I Visconti (1250–1322) was the second of the Milanese Visconti family to govern Milan. Matteo was born to Teobaldo Visconti and Anastasia Pirovano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conrad Malaspina the Elder</span> Italian nobleman

Conrad Malaspina, also known as L'Antico or The Old, was an Italian nobleman who lived in the 12th century. There is no certainty about Conrad's birthdate but most historians agree that it is around 1180, his death date is also uncertain but it is speculated to be around July 1254. Conrad was the forefather of the "Spino Secco" branch of the Malaspina family. Conrad Malaspina's achievements were of fundamental importance for the way Italian territories were shaped. He had very close relationships with Emperor Frederick II as well as many intellectuals and political figures of the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conrad Malaspina the Younger</span> Italian nobleman and landowner

Corrado Malaspina was an Italian nobleman and landowner.

Adalberto the Margrave, also known as "il Margravio" or "Adalberto III" was an Italian nobleman tied with the Obertenghi family and a well-known ancestor to the Este, Pallavicini and Malaspina family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Opizzo Malaspina</span> Italian marquis

Opizzo Malaspina known as Opizzino was the forefather of the Spino Fiorito branch of the Malaspina Family.

Galeotto Malaspina was an Italian judge and nobleman. He was the son of Azzolino II Malaspina and grandson of Spinetta Malaspina, he is remembered to be the first Marquis of Fosdinovo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gabriele I Malaspina</span>

Gabriele Malaspina was an Italian nobleman. He was the son of Galeotto I Malaspina, he is remembered as the second marquis of Fosdinovo.

Spinetta Malaspina II, Duke of Gravina in Apulia was an Italian nobleman. Son of Galeotto I Malaspina, he was the third Marquis of Fosdinovo.

Alagia Fieschi, also known as Alagia di Nicolò Fieschi and Alagia di Fieschi, was the daughter of Count Nicolò Fieschi and niece of Pope Adrian V. Alagia married Moroello Malaspina in the 1280s and they had five children. In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Alagia is remembered by Adrian V at the end of his conversation with Dante as the only virtuous woman in his family whom he wishes to pray on his behalf. Alagia’s mention as the only virtuous person in her family reflects Dante’s view about Alagia's family's actions involving the Malaspina family. In addition, Alagia is celebrated by Dante through his portrayal of her as a virtuous woman whose prayer can contribute to Adrian V's journey of salvation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marquisate of Fosdinovo</span> Medieval Fiefdom in Italy

The Marquisate of Fosdinovo was a small fiefdom, led by a Marquess, that existed in the Italian peninsula between 1355 and 1797. It was based around Fosdinovo, a city east of La Spezia, and was ruled by the Malaspinas, a prominent Italian family, throughout its existence.

References

  1. Treccani (ed.). "Malaspina" (in Italian). Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  2. Bicchierai, Marco (2006). Treccani (ed.). "MALASPINA, Alberto". Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani (in Italian).
  3. Fiori, Giorgio (1995). "I Malaspina: castelli e feudi nell'Oltrepò piacentino, pavese, tortonese" (in Italian). pp. 157–158.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Castello di Fosdinovo - Albero genealogico" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 October 2016.
  5. La marca Obertenga e i Feudi Imperiali
  6. Guagnini, p. 27
  7. Guagnini, p. 49
  8. Fiori, p. 6
  9. Soddu, I Malaspina e la Sardegna, p. 36
  10. Branchi, I, p. 161
  11. E. Salvatori, Les Malaspina: bandits de grands chemins ou champions du raffinement courtois? Quelques considérations sur une cour qui a ouvert ses portes aux troubadours (XIIème - XIIIème siècles), in Les élites lettrées, a cura di Patrick Gilli, Montpellier
  12. 1 2 Dante Alighieri, La Divina Commedia, ed. G. Petrocchi, Torino 1975.
  13. Patrizia Meli (2008). Gabriele Malaspina marchese di Fosdinovo: condotte, politica e diplomazia nella Lunigiana del Rinascimento. Firenze: Firenze University Press. pp. X, 2. ISBN   978-88-8453-860-4.
  14. Patrizia Meli (2008). Gabriele Malaspina marchese di Fosdinovo: condotte, politica e diplomazia nella Lunigiana del Rinascimento. Firenze: Firenze University Press. p. X. ISBN   978-88-8453-860-4.
  15. In pratica più o meno l'attuale Lombardia, più il Novarese, la Svizzera Italiana e l'Emilia con Ferrara; il Genovesato fino alla Lunigiana e alla Garfagnana e parte del Piemonte, cioè Tortona, Novi Ligure, Ovada, la Val Bormida (l'Oltregiogo), e poi si aggiunse anche Ascoli Piceno
  16. Guagnini, p. 52
  17. Branchi, II, p. 121
  18. "Castello di Cariseto - Cerignale Piacenza Genova". Archived from the original on 2007-03-10. Retrieved 2018-08-10.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 http://www.adrianaghollett.it/site/books/feudi_di_lunigiana_spino_secco.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  20. Branchi, II, p. 205
  21. Fiori, pp. 157–158
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Umberto Burla, Malaspina di Lunigiana, Luna editore, La Spezia 2001.
  23. Caciagli, p. 60
  24. Antonio Alberico Malaspina
  25. Giacomo Malaspina
  26. Alberico Malaspina
  27. Branchi, III, p. 45
  28. Caciagli, p. 82
  29. 1 2 3 Umberto Burla, Malaspina di Lunigiana, Luna editore, La Spezia 2001.
  30. Morosini, Roberta (February 2009). "'Fu in Lunigiana': La Lunigiana e l'epistola di frate Ilario (Codice 8, Pluteo XXIX, Zibaldone Mediceo-Laurenziano) nella geografia letteraria di Boccaccio". The Italianist. 29 (1): 50–68. doi:10.1179/026143409x409774. ISSN   0261-4340. S2CID   143815915.
  31. Branchi, III, pp. 58–60
  32. 1 2 http://www.archiviodistato.firenze.it/siasfi/cgi-bin/RSOLSearchSiasfi.pl?_op=printcomparch&id=IFBA8872XX&livello=&_cobj=yes&_language=eng&_selectbycompilationdate=SI [ dead link ]
  33. Pregòla branch and its derivatives will be added to the table in the future.
  34. In 1312 Federico was already fighting in Tuscany. Cf. LITTA (1855).
  35. LITTA (1855) assures that Isnardo is Richelda's son, despite not assigning a mother to his brothers and sisters.
  36. Argentina later remarried Galeotto I Malaspina, Marquis of Fosdinovo. See Paola Cervia, L’archivio storico comunale di Fosdinovo - Inventario della sezione preunitaria (1615 - 1870).
  37. The namesake son Antonio had was perhaps illegitimate, because he survived his father but didn't succeed in the marquisate.
  38. 1 2 BRANCHI (1971) numbers him II, in probable continuity with the marquisate of Mulazzo.
  39. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 LITTA (1855)
  40. BRANCHI (1971) numbers him III, in probable continuity with the marquisate of Mulazzo
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 6 BRANCHI (1971)
  42. MALASPINA; Guglielmo
  43. LITTA (1855) mistakes this Niccolò, son of Francesco, with the non-reigning Niccolò, son of Tommaso I
  44. LITTA (1855) places her (wrongly) as daughter of Tommaso I and sister of the non-reigning Niccolò, father of the marquis Francesco.
  45. Torquato Malaspina - Geneall
  46. Amedea Malaspina - Geneall
  47. A supported succession or genealogy in the branches of Varzi and Prègola cannot be traced.
  48. Francesco appears in documentation from this date on, which means he had to be adult by this year. See LITTA (1855)
  49. He was thirteen years old in 1275. See LITTA (1855)
  50. Sometimes numbered II to distinguish him from his uncle, marquis of Varzi
  51. The counting of marquesses of Filattiera usually follows Godiasco's, as seen in BRANCHI (1971).
  52. The marriage had a dispensation from Pope Martin V. See LITTA (1855)
  53. Sometimes called just Alberico. General sources tend to number him II, in probable continuity with the marquisate of Fosdinovo
  54. MALASPINA, Alberico entry (in Italian) in the Enciclopedia italiana
  55. also styled Ricciarda
  56. MALASPINA, Ricciarda entry (in Italian) in the Enciclopedia italiana
  57. BRANCHI (1971) numbered him II, in probable continuity with the marquisate of Malgrate.
  58. Clevia as in BRANCHI (1971). LITTA (1855) uses the form Clelia
  59. Fiori, p. 104
  60. Remigio Pompeo Malaspina - Geneall
  61. Umberto Burla, Malaspina di Lunigiana, Luna editore, La Spezia 2001.

Bibliography