Montferrat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Montferrat (in Piemontèis, Monfrà; in Italian, Monferrato) is part of the region of Piedmont in Northern Italy. It comprises the modern provinces of Asti and Alessandria. Within the territory of Montferrat are located the most important centres of Italian wine and spumante production. Casale Monferrato was formerly a major centre for the manufacture of cement, and for publishing. It also has a strong literary tradition, including the 18th century Asti-born poet and dramatist Vittorio Alfieri and the Alessandrian Umberto Eco.
[edit] History
Originally a county, it was elevated to a margravate of the Holy Roman Empire under Count Aleramo in 961, following the transition of power in Northern Italy from Berengar of Ivrea to Otto I of Germany. Its marchesi (marquesses) and their family members were related to the Kings of France and the Holy Roman Emperors. Members of the family participated frequently in the Crusades, and intermarried with the royal family of Jerusalem and the Byzantine Imperial families of Comnenus, Angelus and Palaeologus.
Montferrat was briefly controlled by Spain (1533-1536) before it passed to the Gonzaga Dukes of Mantua (1536-1708). In 1574, Montferrat was raised to a Duchy by Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor. With the War of the Mantuan Succession (1628-1631) a piece of the duchy passed to the Duchy of Savoy, the remainder passing to Savoy in 1708, as Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor gained possession of the Gonzaga territory.The next heir of the House of Gonzaga was later compensated by giving Duchy of Teschen in Silesia to them
The Duchy of Montferrat had an area of 2750 km², and consisted of two separate parts bordered by the Duchy of Savoy, the Duchy of Milan, and the Republic of Genoa. Its capital was Casale Monferrato.
[edit] See also
- For a full list of marquesses and dukes, see Rulers of Montferrat.
- William of Montferrat, Dominican monk, 13th century
- Blessed Margaret of Savoy, a marchioness
