Marcantonio Colonna

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For other uses, see Marcantonio Colonna (disambiguation).
Marcantonio Colonna.
Marcantonio Colonna.

Marcantonio (II) Colonna (1535 - August 1, 1584), Duke and Prince of Paliano, was an Italian general and admiral.

[edit] Biography

Colonna, born at Civita Lavinia, was a 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".

In 1577 King Philip II named him Viceroy of Sicily.

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