CASTIGLIONI COAT OF ARMS

The surname Castiglioni is of Italian origin and has its roots in the northern region of Lombardy. It is a very ancient and noble house from Milan, where the Church of Milan gave the castle of Castiglione in the countryside of Seprio to Corrado, son of Count Berengario, to him and his descendants, for which they took the name of Castiglioni. The name is derived from the Italian word 'castello', meaning 'castle', and 'leone', meaning 'lion'. The Castiglioni name was originally an aristocratic title given to a family who held a castle or fortified estate in the area.

The Castiglioni family can trace their history back to the medieval period, when they were a prominent noble family in the city of Milan. As years went by, the house branched into several lines which flourished in various towns and regions of Italy. One line settled in the region of Marche and received as award the title of Marquis of Botontano. Six members, a very high number, of our house reached the honor of the altar; two of them become popes, namely Geofreddo Castiglioni who was elected pope on October 25, 1241 and chose the name Celestino IV and Francesco Saverio Castiglioni who was elected on March 31, 1829; the latter adopted the name Pious VIII. Six members became cardinals, three where archbishops, and six reached Bishopric. The Castiglioni house was rich, with its members also captains of the militia, of castle lords, of senators, or decurions, of podestas, of members of the general council, of praetors, and notaries.

One of the most famous members of the family (besides the popes) was Baldassare Castiglione, an Italian diplomat and author who wrote the influential book "The Book of the Courtier" in the 16th century. Beside the title of Marquis of Botontano, the Casitglionis also had that of Palatine Count, Noble Lord of Cingoli, Noble Roman Lord, Noble Lord of Cesena, Count of Venegono, Superiore, Lord of Lozza, and Lord of Pessano.

Over time, the Castiglioni name spread throughout Italy and beyond as members of the family migrated to other parts of the country and world. Today, the name can be found in many countries around the globe, often in connection with individuals who are descended from the original Castiglioni family.