Vespasiano I Gonzaga facts for kids

Vespasiano I Gonzaga, a famous Italian noble.

An equestrian statue of Vespasiano I Gonzaga-Colonna in Sabbioneta.

Vespasiano I Gonzaga (born December 6, 1531 – died February 26, 1591) was an important Italian noble. He was also a diplomat, a writer, and a military engineer. He is best known for being a patron of the arts, meaning he supported artists. He also founded the city of Sabbioneta in Italy. This city was designed as an "ideal city" based on Renaissance ideas.

Vespasiano was born in Fondi, a town in southern Italy. His mother was Isabella Colonna, and his father was Louis Gonzaga. His father was part of the House of Gonzaga, a powerful family. Vespasiano became an orphan when he was young. His aunt, Giulia Gonzaga, raised him in Naples. She moved there to keep him safe from other family members. They wanted to harm Vespasiano to take his family lands.

When he was eleven, Vespasiano went to the Spanish royal court. He continued his education there under King Philip II of Spain. Philip II became a close friend and trusted adviser to Vespasiano. The King made him a Grandee of Spain, which was a very high honor. Later, Vespasiano became the Viceroy (a ruler representing the king) of Navarre and Valencia.

Building an Ideal City

The Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta.

In 1556, Vespasiano started his biggest project. He began building a brand new city between Mantua and Parma. He named it "Sabbioneta," which means "Sandy." The city was built on the sandy banks of the Po River. The entire project was finished in 1591.

Sabbioneta became its own independent area, called a Duchy, in 1577. This happened thanks to the help of Vespasiano's friend, Rudolf II of Habsburg. They had met each other at the Spanish court. Vespasiano I Gonzaga passed away in Sabbioneta in 1591.

Family Life

Anna d'Aragona, Vespasiano's second wife.

Vespasiano Gonzaga was married three times during his life:

• His first wife was Diana Folch de Cardona (1531–1559).
• His second wife was Anna d'Aragona y Folch de Cardona (died 1567). They had three children:
  • Giulia (born 1565)
  • Isabella Gonzaga (1565–1637), who became his main heir.
  • Luigi Gonzaga (1566–1580), who passed away at age 14.
• His third wife was Margherita Gonzaga (1562–1618). She was the daughter of Cesare I Gonzaga.

See also

In Spanish: Vespasiano I Gonzaga para niños