- Count Sesto
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Count Sesto is the title borne by the head of the existing Sicilian noble family of that name, of ancient Genoese origin.
The family traces its origins as a collateral branch of the patrician Spinola family, subsequently created Marquis and then Duke of Sesto and Marquis of Benafro (sometimes called Venafro). The Spinola, Doria, Grimaldi and Fieschi were the principal four families of Genoa, rivals for authority within the republic of Genoa in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Spinola family were allied to the Squarciafico family (created Marquess of Galatone), the Princes of Belmonte, and the Counts of Galerata. Distinguished members of the family include the celebrated general Ambrogio Spinola, Marquis of Sesto (1569-1630), his son Filippo Spinola (1596–1659) and Ambrose Spinola de la Cerda y Colonna, 5th Marquis of los Balbases and Duke of Sesto (1701–1757), all of whom were Knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
The current comital family, through marriage and inheritance, established itself in the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, first in the area of Salerno and later in Sicily, in the area of Messina, over time being known as Sesto, derivation of the remote familial title. In 1711, following the death of Don Gaetano Pinelli, Duke of Acerenza, Marquess of Galatone and Count of Copertino, and concomitant with the arrangements which led to the succession of Oronzo Ravaschieri Fieschi Pinelli, 5th Prince of Belmonte to the titles of Duke of Acerenza, Marquess of Galatone and Count of Copertino, the last two being created for the Squarciafico family, the Sesto line, allied by marriage to the Squarciafico family since the marriage of Giulio Cesare, 2nd Marquess of Galatone to Lelia Spinola, daughter of Filippo Spinola, Duke of Sesto and Marquess of Venafro, was granted the title of Count with feuds in the province of Messina by Philip V. The title and patent of nobility was recognized or confirmed by Charles III.
The members of the comital family are now dispersed, although some still live in Sicily. The head of the family, Count Cesare Ambrogio Filippo Sesto lives in Tuscany.
External links
Categories:- Italian nobility
- Families of Genoa
- Sicilian noble families
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