Ricciarda Cybo-Malaspina facts for kids

Ricciarda Malaspina (born in 1497, died on June 15, 1553) was an important Italian noblewoman. She was the ruler, known as the Marquise of Massa and Lady of Carrara, for many years. She first ruled from 1519 to 1546, and then again from May 1547 until she passed away. Her younger son, Alberico I, took over after her.

Life Story

Early Years

Ricciarda was born in Massa, a town in Italy. Her father was Antonio Alberico II Malaspina, and her mother was Lucrezia d'Este. In 1481, her father became the ruler of Massa and Carrara. He had a brother, Francesco, but Antonio Alberico won a fight against him and became the sole ruler.

Since her father didn't have any sons, he decided his oldest daughter, Eleonora, would inherit his lands. Eleonora married Scipione Fieschi, a count. Sadly, Eleonora died in 1516. The next year, Scipione Fieschi married Ricciarda. Their marriage lasted four years, but he also passed away without children.

Becoming a Ruler

When her father, Antonio Alberico, died in 1519, Ricciarda became the new ruler of Massa and Carrara. The very next year, she married Lorenzo Cybo. He was a nobleman from Genoa and the grandson of a pope, Pope Innocent VIII. Their marriage started the Cybo-Malaspina family, who would continue to rule Massa and Carrara for a very long time, until 1829.

Challenges and Triumphs

During Ricciarda's time, Italy was often at war. Powerful countries like France and the Holy Roman Empire were fighting over Italian lands. Ricciarda decided to make an alliance with Emperor Charles V. This was a smart move!

In 1530, the Emperor gave her special permission. She could let her husband, Lorenzo, help her rule. However, Lorenzo caused some problems, and Ricciarda was strong enough to remove him from power in 1541.

Later, when her son Giulio grew up, she let him take over as ruler in 1546. But Giulio soon got involved in a plan that supported France. Because of this, Ricciarda had to take back control of the lands in 1547. Giulio faced serious consequences and was no longer able to rule.

Ricciarda continued to rule Massa until she died in 1553. Her other son, Alberico, became the new ruler after her.

Children

Ricciarda had two important sons:

• Giulio I Cybo-Malaspina, Marquis of Massa (1525-1547): He briefly ruled after his mother in 1546.
• Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina, Prince of Massa (1534-1623): He became the ruler after his mother's death.