If you’re eager to truly explore a place and discover the personalities that have shaped it, join us on this journey through the deeds&misdeeds of the Italians!
These chilly autumn days make us crave some intriguing stories or juicy gossip. Italians, known for their passion, often find themselves swept up in mistakes fueled by emotions and desires. This perfect mix has given rise to countless tales over the centuries. Love affairs frequently intertwine with power and politics, altering the fate of noble families and kings alike.
The Medici’s family feud
No Deeds & Misdeeds column would be complete without mentioning one of the most scandalous and turbulent noble families: the Medicis. Francesco I de’ Medici, married to Giovanna of Austria, began an affair with Bianca Cappello. After Bianca’s husband died in 1572, and following Giovanna’s death in 1578, Francesco defied the disapproval of the Medici family and the people of Florence by marrying Bianca.They even went so far as to fabricate the genealogy of one of Francesco I’s sons, likely born to a servant, in order to secure Bianca’s position as the Grand Duke’s consort. In 1587, after a lavish gala dinner, both Francesco and Bianca died under suspicious circumstances. It’s widely believed that they were poisoned by Francesco’s brother, Cardinal Ferdinando.
Maria Carolina di Borbone and Fernando IV of Naples
This is yet another example of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage who nonetheless managed to assert her influence and rule with determination. Maria Carolina of Bourbon, originally from Austria, was compelled to marry Ferdinand IV of Naples after two of her older sisters, previously married to him, tragically died of smallpox. Their marriage was fraught from the start, with neither approaching it with good intentions, and they reportedly despised each other until the end. Despite this, Maria Carolina bore 18 children, though only seven survived to adulthood. She asserted herself as a formidable ruler of Naples, fostering the arts, promoting culture, and supporting the Enlightenment ideals that would eventually inspire the French Revolution.
The troubled love of Vittorio Emanuele II
La Bela Rosin” (the Beautiful Rosina) was the daughter of a soldier in the Royal Sardinian Army. At just 14 years old, she met the future King Vittorio Emanuele II, who at the time was 27 and already married. Their love endured throughout their lives, beginning as a clandestine affair and later becoming more formal after the Queen’s death. Vittorio Emanuele II appointed Rosa Vercellana as Countess of Mirafiori and Fontanafredda, even purchasing the castle of Sommariva Perno for her. Their relationship, however, was the subject of scandal and hostility at court. A few years before his death, they secretly married, although Rosa was never officially recognized as Queen. Despite the controversy, “La Bela Rosin” was beloved by the people for her humble origins and her connection to ordinary life.
When traveling to Italy, don’t settle for average. Look around the corner and find unexpected paths. Experience the destination. Follow us! We are ready to plan your visit!
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