Submitted by Charles Said Vassallo




Submitted by Manuel Psaila

in regards to the most famous family of malta, the testaferrata's. firstly they were purely sicilians from a branch a the family of orsini family, the first know ancestor in direct male lineage was in the roman times with celius de capo-ferro ,a vicedominus extraurbem in imperial rome . later the princelys of capua and beneventum, well connected to the royal families of that era.the first maltese connection was arfio capo di ferro , who was a commander of the garrison of malta. there was where all the descendants of this family had came from. this family intermarried with all of those well connected with land in malta, such as mon'alto, de vaccaro,cilia, and so-forth, this family were first created patricians of messina in 1553 to mariano testaferrata. this creation was to be succeeded to all in descend , either male or felmale.

This family were also created patrican of Rome and also hereditary knights of the holy roman empire titles in this family , is an understatement, this family were created or by marriage were marquis testaferrata , di san vincenzo ferreri, testaferrata-olivier, cassan-desain,barons of gomerino, and,castel cicciano.

All the present nobility are descended thru to the testaferrata, with one or two exceptions the head of this family is joseph testaferrata-bonici,9th marquis testaferrata

References:the genealogy and heraldry of the noble families of malta, 1992, by count. charles gauci

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Maltese family of Italian origin; Catholic Shield: Argent a bull rampant guardant Gules: The line of Antonio also carries on a chief Azure three mullets of six points Or. The line of Giacomo carries the "Capo del Impero" (on a chief Or a demi-eagle displayed Sable beaked and langued Gules crowned Argent).

The Testaferrata family is synonymous with the history and Nobility of Malta. The Testaferratas are all descendants of one Arfio Capo di Ferro who changed his surname to Testaferrata after settling in Malta during the late 15th century following his appointment as Commander of the garrison in Malta. Arfio was a direct descendent of Pandolfo Capo di Ferro, who was reigning Prince of Benevento, Capua, Camerino and Salerno during 980 A.D. The Testaferrata's lineage streches over 1,000 years back to the 7th century A.D. to Celius de Capo-ferro, a Vicedominus Extraurbem in Imperial Rome. The latter's father was Cajo Orso Flavio whose brother Primiano Orsino was the progenitor of the Orsini family.

Proof of the Testaferrata family's descent from the princely Capo di Ferro family is recorded in various documents including the document by which the privilege of patrician of Messina was given to members of both main lines:

In senatorium Messanensium Ordinem, interque Nobilis Cives et Patricios Mamertinos, ab anno Millesimo quingentesimo, quinquegesimo tertio de die vigesimo Decembris, duodecimae Indicationis (ut melius in officio Nostro apparet e nobilitatis privilegio in Registro dicti anni existente), Majores Nostri jure merito adscribendum esse judicarunt Nobilem Marianum Testaferrata, Jacobi filium et Angarai Nepotem, tum ob eximium splendorem suae gentis,quaevetustissimae Capiferuorum familiae, inter Romanos Patriciae, inclytum est germen, tum ob singularem ejus fidem et observantiam erga Urbem nostram et Regnum. Exinde idem Nobilis Marianus Testaferrata sive de Capiferreo, patricius origine Romanus, et allectione Messanensis, e nostra descendens provincia, alibi familiam generose propagavit, quae in duos precipue divisa est lineas; quarum prima spectabilibus, sibique aegualibus juncta nuptiis inter Nobiles Sacri Romani Imperii Equites Tornearias et Capitulares cooptata est illi addita in gentilitio stemmate rubro Capiferuorum Tauro, Aguila nigra, aliisque Caesareis ornamentis, et inde, praeter alios honorum titolos, Marchionatus Sti Vincentii Ferreri, tessera in Regno Naepolitano decorata, alioque etiam Marchionatus titolo insignita a Victorio Amadeo Sabaudo, tum Rege Nostro gloriosissimo. Altera vero linea pari item decore fulgens Patriciatui Almae Romanae Urbis, quo ex immemorabiti aetate illustris Capiferuorum Gens, Testaferratarum parens gaudebat, iterum admunerata fuit ab anno Millesimo quingentesimo nonagesimo et post modum Dynastiam Castri Cicciani in eodem Regno Neapolis decorata, praeter Gomerini Baroniam in Insula Melitensi, aliasque Ecclesiasticas et Saeculares dignitates. In utraque linea Testaferratarum a prelaudato Patricio Viro Mariano descendentium, Mamertiua Nobilitatis memoria, pluribus, variis publicisque monumentis longissima annorum serie jugiter conservata est, eaque maxime ex nostra quoque parte enituit, cum illustris Canonicus D. Ioseph Jacobus Testaferrata Castelletti, Vir clarissimus de Urbe Nostra, totaque Siciliae Regno benemeritissimus a Predecessoribus Nostris, ultimis hisce annis tamquam Patricius Messanensis salutatus est, publico etiam edito Diplomate, in quo praevia judiciali senatus deliberatione, tota ejus, nempe Testaferratorum familia satis nota et ullustris pristino Nostri Patriciatus honori, a quo numquam declinaverat, cuique imo splendide semper adhaeserat solemniter reintegrata est.

Licet vero omnia haec publice, nobisque optime et judice sint comperta; cum nihilominus a primaeva Nobilis Mariani Testaferratae Patricatui Nostro aggregatione elapsi sint anni biscentum et triginta novem, nec non, mox dictum reintegrationis Diploma Ecclesiasticae Personae, videlicit laudato Canonico D. Josepho Jacobo directum fuerit, Vos propterea, illustres Marchiones D. Mari Testaferrata Castelletti, D. Daniel et D. Pandulphe Testaferrata de Noto, germani fratres, Sacri Romani Imperii Equites, nec non Baro D. Petre Paule Testaferrata Abela bene e re vestra, vestrorumque descendentium esse putavistis pro communi progenie vestra Romae in nostro alliisque Regnis illustri, novam vestro nomine postulare solemnioremque Patriciatus nostri a stipite reintegrationem. Nos inde, perpendentes petionem vestram juri factoque consonam esse et rationabilem, visis, beneque per Nos et Syndacum et Assessorem Nostros consideratis tum vestra a praedicto Nobili Mariano per directam lineam legittimumque tramitem descendentia, tum constati per singolos gradus generosae claritatis continuatione, tum denique Nostri Patriciatus apud vos, et majores vestros, licet abhinc absentes pacifica possessione, praevia supradicti Assessoris sententia, cujus tenor inferius refertur; ed sedulo quoque animadversis Majorum vestrorum meritis erga Sicilae Regnum Nostrosque Augustissimos Reges, quae merita resultant ex Actis legitime exhibitis ex historiarum fide, ex publica fama, atque ab ipisismet Regiis Diplomatibus: Vos praedictos illustres Marchiones D. Marium Testaferrata Castelletti, D. Danielem et D. Pandulphum Testaferrata de Noto, germanos fratres, et Baronem D. Petrum Paulum Testaferrata Abela, propria avitaque virtute praeclaros, antiquo Nobilique tum Romano tum Messanensi genere procreatos, in veros et indubitatos Nobiles Cives, Patriciosque Nostros ex prisca origine recognoscimus, acceptamus, recipimus et amplectimur, atque tales esse a saepius memorato stipite et usque ab anno millesimo quincentesimo quinquagesimo tertio super expresso declaramus, definimus et pronunciamus, proindeque in primaevam vestram nobilinatem Messanensem a praedicto Nobili Mariano Testaferrata remotiore vestrum Avo acquisitam, qua hactenus laudabiliter usi estis, quatenus opus foret reponimus, restituimus, atque plenissime Ordini Messaneasium Senatorio Alboque gradui distincto et dignitati Patriciorum vivorum reintegramus et confirmamus, una cum omnibus successoribus vestis, et e vestro vestrorumque sanguinae legitime in aevum descendentibus, cum omnibus et singulis illis honoribus, titulis, dignitatibus et aliis quibuscumque, quibus natae in hac Urbe vel ab ea oriundae qualitercumque et quomodocumque fruunter, potiuatur et gaudent tam hic, quam alibi; ita ut vos, illustres Marchiones D. Mari, D. Daniel et Pandulphe ac Baro Petre Paule, una cum omnibus legitimis successoribus vestris in perpetum adscribi debeatis; et describamini in Albo Nobilium, et tamquam naturales Cives Nostri Nobiles at Patritii obtinere, gerere et concurrere possitis ad omnia munera publica Nobilibus tantum et privative spectantia, praevio tamen quod vos, vestrique descendentes legitimi, omnesque ex saepius laudato vestro stipite Nobile Patricio Mariano Testaferrata provenientes, tamquam in numerum, coetam et consortium Nobilium Civium, sive Patriciorum Messaneusium recogniti, acceptati, iterumque allecti ex certa nostra scientia, maturoque Senatus consultu, jurejurando polliceamini ad D.O.M. Beataeque Mariae Virginis a Sacris Literis gloriam, Invictissimi Regis nostri Ferdinandi IV. obsequium Urbisque Nostrae felicitatem propagandam promptos vos, expeditosque inveniri.

In quorum omnium futuram memoriam plenumque testimonium, hoc praesens privilegium fieri jussimus, Urbis sigillo in pede munituim. Tenor vero voti et sententiae est sequens: - Ratio decidendi - Nobiles Viros Marchionem D. Marium, Marchionem D. Danielem, Marchionem D. Pandulphum et Baronem D. Petrum Paulum Testaferrata, petentes ortum traxisse a Mariano Testaferrata Millesimo quincentesimo, quinquagesimo tertio in Nobilium Messanensium Albo omnium suffragiis tum cooptato; visis attenteque perlectis documentis in praesente sutius, haud ambigere sumus suasi pariterque nullum superesse dubium, quin Marianum eumdem ab Alphio Capo di Ferro, ides Testaferrata, Patricios Romano discendere: ideo sic justitiae locum dare sumus innixi. Jesus - Isti di Testaferrata suique declarentur nobiles Cives et Patritii Messanenses a praedicto Nobili Mariano eorum ascendente, quodque olim, illi praeeminentiis concessa fuere, congaudeant iterum isti petentes, cum omnibus honoribus, exemptionibus, muneribus, officiis et aliis quibus caeteri Nobiles Nostri Messanenses Patritii nunc potiuntur; et expiatur Privilegium in forma - Longo, Assessor Ordinarius - Datum Messanae in Aedibus Senatoriis, die vigesima octava mensis Augusti, Millesimo Septingentisimo nonagesimo secundo.

This ancient and noble family ranked high in Maltese society and was at various occasions regarded as one of the most landed familes, possessing various properties both in Malta and abroad. It was also accorded a great number of privileges and immunities from a number of Spiritual and Temporary authorities.

The Testaferratas also inter-married with a number of families of similar standing, including the Vaccaro, Montalto, Inguanez, Moroni, Barbaro, Guevara, Abela, Cassia, Castelletti, Viani and the de Noto families. This family was prolific and it can safely be said that the greater part of the Nobility in Malta is descended from the Testaferrata family.

The family is divided into two main lines: namely the lines of Giacomo and Antonio, brothers Testaferrata whose father Mariano was made patrician of Messina in 1553 with remainder to all his descendents.

Antonio's line is by far the more prominent having been very close to the Holy Inquisition in Malta. In fact the office of Depositario was invariably occupied by Antonio's descendants from whom the Barons Testaferrata (ancient title) and Barons of Gomerino (1710) descend. The title of Baron of Gomerino was granted jointly to Paolo Testaferrata and his wife Beatrice nee Cassia (in her own right Baroness of Castel Cicciano): Paolo died in 1714 and his son Ercole Martino was invested in 1737 in the barony of Gomerino after his mother requested the then Grand Master to tie the said barony to the "Ta' Xbiex" primogeniture already erected in favour of the same Ercole Martino. This line was also conferred the privilege of Patrician of Rome (1590) and yet another Patriciate of Messina (1792), both patriciates being with remainder to all descendents. In addition it was also conferred the patriciate of the Citta' del Castello (1739). Moreover this line of the Testaferratas was in 1725 one of the only two families (the other being the family of Baron Inguanez) in Malta to be allowed the use of the title "Illustrissimo e Nobile" which has today been translated into the title of "The Most Noble" with remainder to the descendants. This title was subsequently extended to heads of families. Notable members of this line include Mgr. Pier Giacomo who in the 18th century was a Conventual Chaplain in the German Langue of the Order of St. John and held the Commandery of St. Peter of Carniola within the priory of Bohemia; Cardinal Fabrizio Sceberras Testaferrata (19th century); Baron Pietro Paolo Testaferrata Abela who was the Commander, Maltese Corps of Veterans (1811). The latter was the 13th (and last) Depositario of the Holy Inquisition in Malta, the office being abolished following the French Occupation; and Baron Rosario Testaferrata Moroni Viani, an early 20th Century politician.

The head of this line is The Most Noble Salvino Testaferrata-Moroni-Viani (Baron Testaferrata and Marquis Testaferrata-Moroni-Viani). It is interesting to note that on the latter's confirmation of appointment in 1989 as Honorary Consul General for the Republic of San Marino to Malta, he is addressed by his title thereby making him the only Maltese Noble to have been so addressed since the 1975 statutory withdrawal recognition of all titles of Nobility in Malta. The other main sub-line is that headed by The Most Noble Adriana Testaferrata-Abela (Baroness of Gomerino).

The descendents of the other brother - Giacomo - are the Marquises Testaferrata (1717) and Marquises of San Vincenzo Ferreri (1725). The title of Marquis Testaferrata is transmissible to all male descendants and is the basis of the titles of Marquis Testaferrata Olivier and Marquis Cassar de Sain. This line was in 1637 also conferred the title of Nobilis Tornearji (Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire) including the right to display the "Capo del Impero" as well as a Patriciate of Citta del Castello and yet another Patriciate of Messina (1792). Notable members of this line include Baron (and Marquis) Don Mario Testaferrata (at times also referred to as Prince Capo di Ferro) who was a signatory to the act of capitulation of Malta to the French Republic in 1798 and also to the 1805 Maltese Declaration of Rights; and Marquis Don Nicolo' Testaferrata de Noto who pioneered the 1849 Constitution of Malta, Marquis Sir Giuseppe Vincenzo Testaferrata de Noto a KCMG (1833) and Marquis Gilberto Testaferrata Viani, 4th Baron of Tabria (1837) a contemporary Maltese poet of some note.

The head of this line is Joseph Testaferrata-Bonici (Marquis Testaferrata). The other main sub-lines are those headed by Agnes Gera-de-Petri-Testaferrata-Bonici-Ghaxaq (Marchioness of San Vincenzo Ferreri and Baroness of Qlejjgha), Paul Testaferrata Olivier (Marquis Testaferrata Olivier), Vincenzo Testaferrata-de-Noto (dei Marchesi Testaferrata de Noto) (deceased), Salvino Testaferrata-Moroni-Viani (Baron Testaferrata and Marquis Testaferrata-Moroni-Viani, by Primogeniture head of both the baronial Gomerino and Tabria lines of the Testaferrata family) and Anthony Cassar Desain, K.M. (Marquis Cassar Desain).

References:

Abela & Ciantar, Malta Illustrata, Malta 1780
Annuario della Nobilta Italiana, Pisa 1880-1884
Cassar Desain, Genealogia della famiglia Testaferrata, Malta 1880.
Farrugia Randon, Marquis Nicolo Testaferrata de Noto, 1993
Frendo, Maltese Political Development 1798-1964, 1993
Galea, Malta's Timeline, Malta.
Galluppi, Nobiliario della Citta di Messina, Napoli 1877.
Gauci, The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta, Malta, 1981 & 1992
Histoire generale des hommes vivants et des hommes morts dans le XIX siecle,Geneve 1864
Montalto, The Nobles of Malta 1530-1800, 1979

Testaferrata Ancestry Postings

View the Testaferrata Ancestry Book Here

Famous Testaferrata

• Louise Testaferrata - (Maltese journalist)



• Adelaide Testaferrata Abela - (Countess Fournier 1838)



• Alfred Gera De Petri - (husband of the present Marchioness di San Vincenzo Ferrera , also Baroness di Qlejja)



• Angela Testaferrata Olivier - (Countess Sant 1805)



• Angelica Testaferrata Bonici - (Marchioness di gnien is Sultan 1805)



• Anna Testaferrata - (baroness di Qlejjha 1805)



• Argentina Testaferrata - (Baroness di Budaq 1585)



• Asteria Testaferrata - (Baroness di djar il bniet et buquana 1750's)



• Caren Testaferrata Bonici - (Countess preziosi 1978)



• Diane Testaferrata - (Baroness di Djar-il Bniet et Buquana 1700's)



• Esther Testaferrata Bonici - (Countess Fournier 1906)



• Eugenia Testaferrata - (Baroness di Qlejjha 1718)



• Fr Faustinus Testaferrata - (1883)



• Gian-Tommaso Testaferrata - (Ambassador to Licata 1600s)



• Giacomo Testaferrata - (17th century), mahtur segretarju tal-Gran Mastru Cottoner (1660) u Kaptan tal-Belt Notabile.



• Giacomo Testaferrata de Robertis - (Capitano della Verga 1636-37)



• Mgr Giuseppe Giacomo Testaferrata Castelletti - (1739-1801) pagg Nobbli tar-Regina Isabella Farnese l-mara ta Filippo V ta Spanja.



• Mariano Testaferrata - (Created a Patrician of Messina 1553 and to all his descent)



• Marie Testaferrata - (Marchioness Testaferrata-Olivier 1796)



• Marie Testaferrata Abela - (Marchioness di Castilla 1757)



• Marie Testaferrata Moroni Viani - (Marchioness Testaferrata 1948)



• Marie Testaferrata Viani - (Marchioness Testaferrata di San Vincenzo ferrera 1874)



• Mario Testaferrata de Robertis - (Capitano della Verga 1689-92)



• Marquis Mario Testaferrata - (18th/19th century), gharef maghruf f'Malta u fil-Kontinent, kellu polemiki letterarji ma'Kbarat bhal Mgr Cocco dwar iskrizzjoni antika. Kellu korrispondenzi ma'Gran Mastri u l'Kaptan tal-Virga, onorat bit-titlu ta' Markiz mir-Re Vittorio Emmanuele ta'l-Italja.



• Marquis Nicolo Testaferrata - (18th/19th century), patrijott qalbieni, ghex bejn is-sekli XVIII-XIX.



• Pasquale Testaferrata - (despositario of the Holy Inquistion - Malta 1611)



• Mgr Pier Giacomo Testaferrata - (1678-1763), gharef u umli



• Pietro Testaferrata - (despositario of the Holy Inquistion - Malta 1591)



• Don Salvatore Testaferrata - (17th century), it-tielet kappillan ta Haz-Zabbar, 1681-94.



• Sir Guiseppe Vincenzo Testaferrata de Noto - (K.C.M.G.1833, C.M.G.1822)

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