Perhaps you know that the Aliprandi family is an ancient noble family from Milan. Tradition says its origins trace back to the Longobards. The Aliprandi held many feuds in Lombardy. They dominated the city of Monza during the communal era.
The Aliprandi family’s story is interwoven with Milan’s history. Let’s delve into their origins. An old story says the Aliprandi descended from the great Longobard King Liutprando who reigned from 712 to 744. There is no certain family tree to prove this. Rich documents exist that claim their royal blood.
An inscription from 1131 supports this Longobard link. It was once in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Monza. Historians like Cantù and Giulini published it. The Order of Santo Stefano accepted it as proof of nobility. The noble College of Giureconsulti of Milan also did.
The Aliprandi family was also a feudal lord of Cassina Aliprandi. This area became part of Lissone in the late 1800s. Now, Aliprandi is part of the large Brianza area. It only represents part of the old town’s territory.
In Milan, the family appeared in the list of noble houses in 1377. Giovanni Aliprandi who lived around 1220 had three sons. Their names were Arnolfo Garibaldo and Bertarino. Arnolfo’s great-grandson Giovannolo became an immediate vassal. He gained the rank of eminent nobility. He became a Palatine Count and noble of the Holy Roman Empire. Emperor Charles IV of Luxembourg granted this title in 1355.
Pinalla Aliprandi and Martino Aliprandi were important figures in the 1300s. The Aliprandi first allied with the Torriani. Later, they sided with the Visconti. They received high positions honors and important commands from the Visconti. However, they also faced terrible persecution. Giacomo Aliprandi joined a conspiracy against Giovanni Maria Visconti. He ordered the duke’s death in 1412. This act freed the city from his cruel rule. It avenged Filippo’s execution during Guelph and Ghibelline conflicts.
A branch of the Aliprandi family became the Fanzago. They lived in Clusone in the Seriana valley. Antonio Venturino degli Aliprandi known as Fanzago changed the family name. He ruled the Serio Valley for Pandolfo Malatesta. His descendants used the Fanzago name in new places.
In 1581, Clusone confirmed the family’s noble origins. The document stated that Antonio Venturino degli Aliprandi had to move to Clusone. Pandolfo Malatesta ordered this. Antonio then used the name Aliprandi-Faziolo. This distinguished him from other Aliprandi in the city.
The Aliprandi family’s influence spread far. They left their mark on Milan and beyond. Their legacy remains visible today. Their story shows power intrigue and resilience.