Visconti di Modrone

Visconti di Modrone
Coat of arms
Parent family Visconti of Milan
Ethnicity Italian
Founded 1683 (1683)
Founder Niccolò Visconti
Titles Marquess of Vimodrone, Duke of Modrone

The Visconti di Modrone are a collateral branch of the Visconti of Milan. They originated in the 17th century and are still existing today. In the last two centuries a number of members of the lineage have achieved notoriety in different domains of public life. The theatre and cinema director Luchino Visconti, whose actual surname was Visconti di Modrone, was one of them.

Origins

The Visconti di Modrone descend from Uberto, younger brother of Matteo Visconti, Lord of Milan between 1287 and 1322. Since the main residence of the first generations of Uberto's offspring was in the castle of Somma Lombardo, they were known also by the surname Visconti di Somma. In 1473 the castle and other family properties were divided by the two brothers Francesco and Guido Visconti di Somma.[1] In 1683 Niccolò Visconti, descendent of Guido, married Teresa Modroni originating the Visconti di Modrone lineage.[2]

The origins of the Visconti di Modrone can be recognised in their current peerages. The title of Count of Lonate Pozzolo traces back to the properties and noble rights in Lonate Pozzolo, few kilometres south of Somma Lombardo, received by Guido Visconti di Somma in the division with his brother Francesco.

History

In 1778 Francesco Antonio Visconti di Modrone, grandson of Niccolò, obtained the title of Marquess of Vimodrone. In 1813 the title of Duke was granted to Carlo Visconti di Modrone.

Between 1884 and 1890 a family mausoleum was erected at Cassago Brianza. Its appearance, inspired by the dome and the spires of the Milan Cathedral, has become part of the local landscape.[3]

The Visconti di Modrone Mausoleum seen from Veduggio

At the beginning of the 20th century the Duke Giuseppe Visconti di Modrone renovated a group of hovels and old stables surrounding the family castle located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Piacenza in the municipality of Vigolzone, transforming them into the village of Middle Age aspect Grazzano Visconti.[4]

The entrance to Grazzano Visconti

Between 19th and 20th centuries industrial undertakings were started by different family members around Milan: silk production in Canegrate, weaving plant in San Vittore Olona, bleaching factory in Somma Lombardo and cotton mill in Vaprio d'Adda.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Lucioni, Alfredo (2006), "Somma e la sua pieve dall'alto Medioevo all'età borromaica", La Basilica di S. Agnese. L'antica prepositurale di Somma e la sua pieve: storia, arte e architettura (in Italian), Varese: Edizioni Lativa, p. 55
  2. 1 2 I Visconti di Modrone, nobiltà e modernità a Milano (secoli XIX-XX) (in Italian). Milan. 2014. p. 28. ISBN 9788834326435.
  3. ↑ "Comune di Cassago Brianza. Mausoleo Visconti di Modrone" (in Italian). Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Grazzano Visconti". Retrieved April 7, 2018.
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