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The Imperiali family is a princely noble family. It is one of the most important Italian families and was a key protagonist of European history among aristocratic families. Originating from the Republic of Genoa it was previously named Tartaro (10th century), and descends from the House of Ventimeglia. It was one of the most powerful families dominating the city's politics in the 17th and 18th century and owned a vast amount of land in Italy.
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Titles
The various titles of the Imperiali family acquired over years are the following:
Cardinals of the Catholic Church
The Imperiali family possessed a strong presence in religion and had three cardinals:
Lorenzo Imperiali (1612-1673).
Giuseppe Renato Imperiali (1651-1737) participated in the papal enclave after the death of Pope Innocent X and was only one vote short of being elected pope.
Cosimo Imperiali (1685-1764).
Palazzo Imperiali in Genova
The palace was built in around 1560 for Giovan Vicenzo Imperiale.
Villa Imperiali in Genova
The villa was purchased by the Imperiali family from the Catteneo. Its gardens are currently open to the public and the building is host to the communal library known as "Lercari".
Castle of Francavilla Fontana
Originally built in 1455 by Giovanni Antonio del Balzo Orsini. It was purchased by the Imperiali family from S. Carlo Borromeo, from the House of Borromeo, in the 16th century for 40,000 ounces of gold.
Castle Imperiali di Villa Castelli
The castle was purchased by the Imperiali in the 17th century from the Orsini family.
Castello di Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi
The building dates back to the 10th century. Major works were carried out by the Caracciolo family in the 17th century and by Prince Placido Imperiale after purchasing the building. The 1980 Irpinia earthquake severely damaged the building's structure.