Bonacossa Borri facts for kids

Bonacossa Borri, also known as Bonaca or Bonaccossi Bonacosta, was an important woman in the history of Milan. She lived from 1254 to 1321. When she married in 1269, she became the "Lady of Milan," a title she held until her death. This meant she was the wife of the city's ruler.

Her Life and Family

Bonacossa's father was Squarcina Borri. He was a strong supporter of the powerful Visconti family in Milan. Her mother was Antonia. The Borri family came from a town called Santo Stefano Ticino. They were a very respected family in Milan. In fact, one of their family members, Monas of Milan, was even a saint and a Bishop of Milan.

Marriage to the Lord of Milan

The Visconti family took control of Milan. To make their power stronger, Squarcina Borri arranged for his daughter Bonacossa to marry Matteo I Visconti. Matteo was the Lord of Milan, meaning he was the ruler of the city. Their marriage happened in 1269.

Bonacossa and Matteo I Visconti worked together to create a special chapel. This was the chapel of St. Thomas in the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio in Milan. They were both buried there when they died. Their son Stefano and two of his daughters, Beatrice and Catherine, were also buried there. Matteo's brother, Uberto III Visconti, was buried there too.

Bonacossa Borri passed away in Milan on January 13, 1321.

Her Children

Bonacossa and Matteo I Visconti had several children who became important figures:

• Galeazzo I: He became the next Lord of Milan. He married Beatrice d'Este.
• Beatrice (born around 1280): She married Spinetta Malaspina.
• Caterina (born around 1282, died 1311): She married Alboino della Scala.
• Luchino (born around 1285): He also became a Lord of Milan. He married Violente di Saluzzo.
• Stefano (born around 1287): He was known as the Count of Arona. He married Valentina Doria.
• Marco (born around 1289).
• Giovanni (born around 1291): He became the Archbishop of Milan, a very important religious leader.
• Zaccaria (born around 1295): He married Otto Rusconi.
• Floramonda: She married Guido Mandelli, who was the count of Maccagno.
• Agnese: She married Cecchino della Scala.

See also

• Corbetta, Lombardy
• Santo Stefano Ticino