Marcantonio Colonna
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Marcantonio (II) Colonna (1535 - August 1, 1584) was an Italian general and admiral.
[edit] Biography
Colonna, born at Civita Lavinia, was the member of the famous noble family of the Lazio, then one of the most powerful fief holder of the Papal States and the Kingdom of Sicily (under the rule of Spain).
In 1553-1554, during the war against Siena, he was created commander of the Spanish cavalry.
At the Battle of Lepanto (October 7, 1571), his admiral ship was protagonist of the decisive victory of the Christian League against the Ottoman fleet. At his return to Rome, Pope Gregory XIII confirmed him Capitano Generale ("General Captain") of the Papal fleet.
Marcantonio Colonna was also seignor of Marino, then a village some kilometers south of Rome: the population honoured him with a great feast which is held yearly still today, under the name of "Sagra dell'uva".
