Galeazzo II Visconti Representative of the Visconti house, ruler of Milan from 1354 to 1378 Date of Birth: 14.03.1320

1. Early Life and Conspiracy
2. Journey and Return
3. Marriage and Inheritance
4. Territorial Expansion and Marriage Alliances
5. Pavia University and Political Decline
6. Conflict with Savoy and Papal States
7. Legacy and Succession

Early Life and Conspiracy

Galeazzo Visconti, born to Stefano Visconti and Valentina Doria, was a member of the House of Visconti. In July 1340, alongside his brothers Matteo and Bernabò, he participated in a conspiracy against his uncles Lucchino and Giovanni, who ruled Milan. The plot failed, resulting in their banishment from the city.

Journey and Return

After the conspiracy, Galeazzo accompanied the Count of Hainaut on expeditions to Jerusalem and Flanders. In 1349, following Lucchino's death, Archbishop Giovanni Visconti recalled his nephews, making them his heirs.

Marriage and Inheritance

In 1350, Galeazzo married Bianca of Savoy, daughter of Aimone II of Savoy. Upon Giovanni's death in 1354, Milan was divided among the Visconti brothers, with Galeazzo receiving Pavia, Como, Novara, Vercelli, Asti, Alba, Tortona, Alessandria, and Vigevano.

Territorial Expansion and Marriage Alliances

After Matteo's death in 1355, Galeazzo inherited western Lombardy, while Bernabò received the eastern portion. In 1360, with the assistance of his brother-in-law Amadeo VI of Savoy, Galeazzo arranged the marriage of his son Gian Galeazzo to Isabella of Valois, daughter of King John II of France.

Pavia University and Political Decline

In 1361, Galeazzo and Emperor Charles IV founded the University of Pavia, which became a renowned educational institution in the Visconti domains. Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, Galeazzo transferred his court to Pavia in 1362, gradually transferring power to Gian Galeazzo.

Conflict with Savoy and Papal States

In 1372, following the death of Marquess John II of Montferrat, Galeazzo engaged in a dispute with the Count of Savoy over Asti. This conflict escalated into a confrontation with Savoy's ally, Pope Gregory XI, who excommunicated the Visconti brothers. From 1375 to 1378, Milan fought against the Papal States in the War of the Eight Saints alongside Florence and Siena.

Legacy and Succession

Upon his death in 1378, Galeazzo was succeeded by Gian Galeazzo, who unified Lombardy in 1385 and became the first Duke of Milan.