Distinguished figures
The great figures who left their mark on the history of Villa Miralfiore.
The Malatesta Family
The Malatesta family, lords of Rimini and Cesena during the 14th and 15th centuries, played a key role in the Italian Renaissance. Renowned for their patronage of the arts, they commissioned masterpieces such as the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini, an architectural landmark and symbol of their power and refined artistic taste.
Malatesta De Malatesti
Malatesta de Malatesti (1366–1429), known as “dei Sonetti,” was lord of Pesaro in the late 14th century and a humanist. He was celebrated for his patronage of the arts and his poetic works. Although he sought to expand his rule, papal resistance curtailed his military ambitions, leading him to focus on cultural pursuits.
The Sforza Family
The Sforza dynasty, key figures of the Renaissance, ruled Milan from 1450 to 1535. Known for their cultural patronage, they supported artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, transforming the city into a hub of artistic and architectural splendor. Landmarks like the Castello Sforzesco stand as enduring symbols of their power and taste.
Giovanni Sforza
Giovanni Sforza (1466–1510), son of Costanzo, became lord of Pesaro in 1483 after a protracted succession dispute. In 1493, he married Lucrezia Borgia, but their union was annulled by Pope Alexander VI in 1497. After his exile, Giovanni reclaimed Pesaro in 1503 with the support of Pope Julius II. He enriched the city with artistic works and collections, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
The Della Rovere Family
The Della Rovere family, lords of Pesaro and Urbino from the 15th to the 17th centuries, left an indelible mark on the Italian Renaissance. As patrons of the arts, they enriched the region with stunning architectural and cultural achievements, including the Ducal Palace of Urbino, a testament to their magnificence.
Il Bonamini
Simone Bonamini, originally from Cyprus and Corfu, settled in Italy and amassed significant wealth through trade. His career brought him to Venice, where he met Francesco Maria I Della Rovere, Duke of Urbino, and became the court’s chief steward. Bonamini played a central role in the expansion and renovation of Villa Miralfiore, transforming it into a prestigious residence that reflected the Renaissance grandeur of the Della Rovere era.
Guidubaldo II Della Rovere
Guidubaldo II Della Rovere, Duke of Urbino from 1538 to 1574, was a prominent Renaissance patron and military leader. The son of Francesco Maria I and Eleonora Gonzaga, he supported artists like Titian, commissioning portraits and acquiring masterpieces such as the famous Venus of Urbino. In 1535, he married Giulia da Varano despite papal opposition, resulting in excommunication and temporary confiscation of the Duchy of Camerino. After Giulia’s death, he strengthened family ties by marrying Vittoria Farnese. Guidubaldo also served in military roles for Venice and the Pope, defending Italian territories from Ottoman incursions.
Federico and Taddeo Zuccari
Federico Zuccari
Federico Zuccari (1540–1609), a student of his brother Taddeo, was a Mannerist painter specializing in grotesque decorations (a style featuring intricate and fantastical motifs). Active across Italy and Europe, he created works like the frescoes in the Florence Cathedral and the Ducal Palace in Venice. In Rome, Federico helped refound the Accademia di San Luca and developed innovative artistic theories about drawing as an expression of creative ideas.
The Albani Family
The Albani family, originating from Albania, rose to prominence in Rome from the 16th to the 19th century. Their most notable member, Pope Clement XI (1700), was a major patron of art and culture. Cardinals such as Alessandro and Annibale contributed to the creation of Villa Albani in Rome, which houses an extraordinary collection of art.
Pope Clement XI
Pope Clement XI, born in Urbino and elected in 1700, was an enlightened promoter of art and culture. He enriched Rome with restorations and commissions, encouraging a deep rediscovery of classical antiquity. Notable achievements include the restoration of the Pantheon and Basilica of San Clemente and the promotion of archaeological excavations that brought new treasures to light. He expanded the Vatican Library with valuable Oriental manuscripts and revitalized the University of Urbino, making it one of the era’s most vibrant cultural centers