Nicelli
Introduction to the Nicelli family
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about the Nicelli family, a Longobard or Frankish family who dominated the Val Nure for centuries. The Nicelli family had vast possessions in the nearby valleys of Aveto, Trebbia, Riglio, and Pernio, as well as various areas of the plain beyond the Po.
History of the Nicelli family
The founder of the Nicelli family was Bonifacio, invested by Federico Barbarossa in 1184 in the County of Revigozzo (present-day Bettola). Bonifacio had two sons, Lanfranco and Rizzo, who became powerful lords of the Val Nure. The family quickly became wealthy and soon established relationships with the most substantial families of Piacenza, including the Marquises of Fosdinovo Malaspina.
The Nicelli family reached its maximum splendor at the end of the sixteenth century and the beginning of the following century, but their shine dispersed due to the numerous branches that were created, resulting in the end of several of their minor lines.
Branches of the Nicelli family
The first division of the family into various branches occurred with the sons of Avvocato: Bartolino I, Bernardo, Castellino, Gherardo, and Guglielmo. From Bartolino I, lord of the castle of Cianeto, descend the Nicelli of Montechino and Muradello, Ferriere and Viustino, Bettola, Rossoreggio, Coli, and Lugherzano.
From Castellino, the Nicelli of Montereggio, which had a short life, due to the extinction of the branch; from Gherardo, the Nicelli of Grondone, Salso, and Cataragna; from Bernardo, lord of the castle of Cogno, the Nicelli of Erbia, Casellasca, Cogno and Maiano, Villanova, and the counts of Guardamiglio.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Nicelli family has a history full of events and successes. Thanks to their wealth, they soon established relationships with the most substantial families of Piacenza. The division of the family into various branches led to the birth of many minor lines, but despite everything, the Nicelli family remains a historic family of the area. I hope I have intrigued you with this fascinating story!
