Vannozza dei Cattanei

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Vannozza (Giovanna) dei Cattanei (1442 – November 24, 1518) was one of the many mistresses of the Pope Alexander VI, whose relationship lasted the longest. Her parents were Jacopo and Mencia Pinctoris.

In Rome she ran several inns (Osterie), at first in Borgo, then in Campo de' Fiori.

She was the wife of three successive husbands.

The connection with Alexander VI began in 1470, and she bore him four children whom he openly acknowledged as his own:

• Giovanni, afterwards duke of Gandia (born 1474);
• Cesare (born 1475);
• Lucrezia (born 1480);
• Goffredo or Giuffre (born 1481 or 1482).

Before his elevation to the papacy, Alexander VI's passion for Vannozza somewhat diminished, and she subsequently led a very retired life. Her place in his affections was filled by the beautiful Giulia Farnese (Giulia Bella), wife of an Orsini, but Alexander VI's love for his children by Vannozza remained as strong as ever and proved, indeed, the determining factor of his whole career. He lavished vast sums on them and lauded them with every honour.